Tuesday, March 19, 2024: Miserable morning made better by Tom & James, Snow, wind, rain, sunshine, wind, James's dinner, "In the Shadow of a Queen", Wonder Woman apron and Kirtland book

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31:15-21

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 31 Jesus Christ and His doctrine are the only way to eternal life.

October General Conference

"Bearing Witness of Jesus Christ in Word and Actions" by Elder Adilson De Paula Parrella

The morning was pretty miserable for me, only made better by James and Tom. 

James and I talked about Armando and all he has been doing for Lambson Construction.  If it wasn't for Armando James would have to spend much more time in the valley running jobs. He definitely needs a raise.

We had snow, wind and some rain and sunshine. Every time I opened the door to see if Tom wanted to go out he just sat there and looked outside. It was too wet and cold. He slept inside tonight. 

I felt better this afternoon and managed to post two blogposts, but didn't do much of anything else. James is still helping me with my steps as my left knee is still giving me grief.

James made us some dinner. Steamed broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and ham. Quite tasty and very healthy.

We read from our book, "In the Shadow of a Queen." 

We are still waiting for the last toy I ordered for Tom. I did get my "Weem" gummies which are supposed to keep me from losing so much hair. I also got the Wonder Woman apron I ordered and one of the Kirtland books I ordered.

A few years back Lola was my sou chef.

We made Easter beans.

 

Monday, March 18, 2024: Left for the valley @ 6:39, Globe way, Stopped in Sholo @ Circle K for carwash & gas, Arrived @ AARA @ 10:18, BP 122/71!!, Rhona new med Simfoni Aria, Costco, Lois & Dawn, Rebecca, Scott, Carmen, Terry's procedure, Greg Hatch knows Pierce, Rain, Back home @ 8 p.m.

 

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31:1-14

Come Follow Me

Mar 18-24 "This Is The Way" 2 Nephi 31-33 Introduction

October General Conference

"Walking In Covenant Relationship with Christ" by Emily Belle Freeman

James and I left for the valley at 6:39 this morning. We packed our suitcases to stay overnight at Darrel & Trina's. James has several jobs going and he felt like Armando would need his help and he would need to be in the valley at least until tomorrow morning. 

We stopped in Show Low to get gas and wash my car. The first two carwashes were not open so we headed to Circle K across from Walmart. This put us a little behind schedule but James says we will still be on time. My appointment at AARA is at 10:30.  We arrived at 10:18.

Frances called me right back and took my blood pressure which was 122/71. Yay!!

Alicia got my infusion going and I was only there for about 20 minutes or so when someone came to get me and take me to a room for my appointment with Rhona who is a PA. 

I told Rhona I was not doing well and I felt like the Actemra had run it's course. We discussed several possibilities for a replacement medication. She mentioned Remicade and I told her no, I had tried that and it didn't work. Finally we settled on a medicine that sounds very musical, Simponi Aria. I made an appointment with Frances for next month on April 15th. Rhona is supposed to call and let me know if my insurance approved the medication. She said I would definitely have to get a chest x-ray as I haven't had on in four years. 

James was late picking me up so I walked over to Costco. James joined me and was able to get in without a membership card. We did our shopping and then had some lunch. I had a piece of cheese pizza and James had a chicken bake, which was huge! We shared a Pepsi.

After loading up the car we headed for Tempe to see James's mom, Dawn, and his sister Carmen who is here visiting from Pennsylvania.

When we arrived at 1270 E. Campus Drive, we gave everyone a hug and we were happy to see that Rebecca and her son Scott were also there.

Terry, James's brother was having severe pain in his stomach area and today they did an endoscopy. He is home now and hopefully we be on the mend. 

Carmen gave every family a bunny rabbit that she made out of fondant and Scott made a Christmas decoration for everyone that looked like a vial of blood with these words attached to it:

Christmas is a celebration of life and gifts. Christ gave the ultimate gift - a gift of self, a blood sacrifice to grant new life. It is available to anyone, is more powerful than any medicine, and is guaranteed to be a perfect match to any willing to receive it. - Scott Tibbetts

James has decided we do not need to spend the night so I texted Trina and told her. Rowan and his friend Ian are just getting ready to leave the cabin. They took the Razr out and got it covered with mud again after James watched it. That's okay, that's what it is for.

We headed to see Sheri at Chandler Eyecare. She is having surgery on Friday and wants her dad to give her a blessing. We arrived and I gave Ben a hug. We went into a vacant room and James gave Sheri a sweet blessing of comfort and healing. On the way out I asked where Nancy was. Ben went and found her and I gave her a hug. We also spoke with Hilary Jiminez. 

On the way out of town we stopped at Whataburger for dinner. Burger House is not open on Monday. It rained most of the way home. I slept and James drove. We were home around 8 p.m. 

James spoke with Greg Hatch today. Greg has some work for him. Greg told him that he met Pierce Goodman and helped him get set up in the dentist office in Tonga as Greg was the dentist over the area. James told Greg what a great guy Pierce is.

Carmen's bunny

Scott's gift

One of our Costco buys

Sunday, March 17, 2024: Bed to family room recliner, at church we have one of the muddiest cars in the lot, Lorraine Vaught pinches me, Bowens speak in sacrament mtg, Teacher training w/ John Wilhelm, RS Women's Devotional President Nelson's invitation and blessing

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31:1-7

Come Follow Me

Review and Sunday School

October General Conference

"Praise to the Man" by President M. Russell Ballard

I started out in my bed last night and ended up on the family room recliner. The recliner is really the most comfortable place to sleep when I can't sleep on my side.

We were one of the muddiest cars in the church parking lot today. It was a little embarrassing. 

As I walked into the chapel I noticed Lorraine Vaught with a bright green dress on and a plaid vest. It looked like a dress she had especially made for St. Patrick's day. She noticed I didn't have green on and so she grabbed my arm to pinch me. Darn! I don't have any green Sunday clothes and I couldn't very well wear my new green t-shirt to church. I thought Lola was going to be here today but now I realize I wasn't totally prepared. The reason I mention Lola is that she told me her two favorite holidays were Christmas and St. Patrick's Day. When I asked her why St. Patrick's Day she said "because I like to pinch people."

I walked to the front of the chapel to speak to Catherine Halcomb. I told her that Donna Peeler's parents were from Enid, Oklahoma because I saw it on Donna's life story which was given out at the funeral yesterday. Catherine is from Enid and when I told her she said, "Oh, maybe I know them."

Logan Robles and Nathan Crane were the youth speakers in sacrament meeting today. Sean and Heather Bowen were the regular speakers. Paul Peeler went over and sat with the Bowen children when Sean went up to speak. Heather was already on the stand. I thought that was very kind of Paul. They are not the easiest kids to tend but he did a good job until right at the very end when the youngest went up to see his dad on the stand.

I attended John Wilhelm's teacher training class the second hour.  

Some things we discussed:

* Discussion questions are most important

* "Speak in the tongue of angels"

* Young women bearing testimony to other young women via text - Gracie Umphress

* Think of individuals

* Challenge: What is my teaching style? Be prepared to answer the next time we meet next quarter.

Others who were in the teacher training class:

Sandra Wilhelm, Alicia Hunsaker, Rosie Lauritzen, Natalie Robles, Cheryl Sedig, Brother Johnson, and Wendy DeWitt.

This afternoon I got a text from Trina asking if Rowan and a friend could spend the night. They are up here camping and it is too cold for them. I guess they wanted to go fishing at the Black River but Rowan lost his way so they came up here. I told Trina to send them on over. A few minutes later Rowan and his friend Ian rang our doorbell. When we let them in I noticed that Rowan had on his plastic fish shoes. No wonder his feet were cold! James made them a fire and some hot chocolate. I saw them sitting by the fire making smores when I went into the bedroom to listen to the RS Women's Devotional Broadcast. 

Here are some notes I took from President Nelson's talk this evening:

* When we help others, we help ourselves.

*  Gathering Israel is a divine mandate.

* Women have a divine endowment that allows them to literally change lives - particularly as they are working to gather Israel.

* Two women have changed my life, my wife Dantzel and my wife Wendy.

* Women have been at the center of heavenly Father's plan from the beginning. Covenant daughters of God have a receptivity to the Spirit and an enhanced more compass.

* Sisters, please never underestimate the extraordinary power within you to influence others for good. ... if the world should ever lose the more rectitude of its women, the world would never recover

* Sisters' voices are needed to teach the doctrine of Christ, detect deception and articulate truth. The wisdom of women is needed in their families, ward and stake councils, and other places of influence throughout the world.

* President Nelson invited women to make the scriptures their personal Liahona, the temple their place of refuge and recalibration, and their personal prayers the way they learn where the Lord needs them to be that day. Over time they will see how the Lord guides them to help others.

* Blessings for women:

- Increased spiritual discernment and the ability to find joy in offering relief to others.

- Wisdom to discern what is needful and not to run faster than they are able.

- Courage to live up to divine privileges as covenant daughters of God.

- To feel deeply that Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, now them and love them.

- To realize that their divine gifts as daughters of God give them the power not only to change lives but to change the world.

Donna Peeler's casket

Happy Sabbath from Charlie!

 

 

Saturday, March 16, 2024: Slept in until 8, Donna Peeler's viewing & funeral, Sue Hubble, Snowing after funeral - grave dedication, Cheesecake, Nap with Tom, "In the Shadow of a Queen"

 

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sep 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 30

Come Follow Me

"Unshaken Saints"

October General Conference

"Brothers and Sisters in Christ" by Elder Ulisses Soares

I slept in until 8 this morning and so did James. We both took sleeping pills during the night and we were zonked. We still have time to be at Donna Peeler's viewing by 10:30. 

When we arrived at the church the viewing was almost over. We had time to look at Donna lying in her beautiful white casket and to give Owen a hug before it was time to go so the family could have family prayer before coming in the chapel. In the last row of family members I saw a familiar face, although she is not a member of the family, Sue Hubble. I asked her if she wanted to stay or come with us into the chapel. She said "come with you." We went and sat in the front of the chapel where we always sat with Sue when she was a member of our ward. 

There were lots of family members. The only one I knew was their son Paul. They also have a daughter Serena who has two boys. So two children and two grandchildren. James knows Serena and pointed her out to me. Donna passed away from the effects of cancer and her daughter Serena has cancer too. 

Here are some notes that I took at the funeral:

Stefani Hunsaker gave her life story:

- Donna preached to the chickens as a little girl

- Donna loved music

- Donna collected fabric - she had an entire room full

- She loved to swim and water ski in her younger years

- She was a car buff ( I remember her driving around a pale yellow Mustang with a white top. When I asked her about it she said she was helping her grandson buy it and he was behind on the payments so she was driving it for awhile).

- She had a green thumb and could grow things that others couldn't

- The gospel made her what she is.

Brandt McNeil (grandson):

- If someone asked grandma her name she might say, "Mary Poppins"

- She loved to thrift shop and sometimes was seen exchanging price tags as she was shopping. She was so cute, no one could get mad at her.

- She had a woman's intuition or "super powers"

- She had a way of "letting go and letting God"

- Brandt found a song on Donna's phone after she pass away. "Remember Me" He played it on the piano

Jarren McNeil (grandson)

- The most loving woman I have ever known.

- I could describe my grandma with the word save, she saved others and she saved things

Rick Lufelt (relative)

- Do we attend our own funeral? According to Neil A. Maxwell, Yes, we do.

- D&C 42:43-46

- Donna lived by her own standards

- Proverbs 4:18

- She was a light to those who knew her

- Proverbs 17:17

- "Keep Your Fork" the best is yet to come

Owen Peeler (husband)

- I always apologize to you but you never apologize to me. Why?

Donna - "Because I'm never wrong"

- In their early years they played Gin Rummy to see who had to do the dishes. Owens says he never won.

- We must become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.

- This life is the time to prepare to meet God.

- Commit to do good, seek the peaceable things of the kingdom.

- Wherever she was, there was Eden.

Bishop Kip Hunsaker

- If Donna could come back for 5 minutes, I wonder what she would share

- She would have more of an eternal perspective

- She would tell us to help one another

- Those who knew her loved her

James was asked to dedicate the grave. We said our goodbye's to Sue as she was going home to get her granddaughters for the day. 

It was snowing as I drove James to the cemetery. Very few people came, possibly because of the weather. I waited in the car. I did not bring my boots and the cemetery was very muddy.

James was only gone about 10 minutes before he was back to the car. I was driving. We went home where I stayed while he went back to the church where they were having the luncheon. I was just too tired to go.

James was back within the hour. He brought me a huge piece of cheesecake and he remembered to bring my pan that had the rolls I made on it. I was worried it might get left at the church.

I had a long nap with Tom. While we walked this evening we listened to our new book, "In the Shadow of a Queen" which is about Queen Victoria's daughter Louise.

Neither of these pictures looks like the Donna we knew.

She was very thin and frail and grew more so over the 

12 years we knew her.

My dream pantry

 

- 

Friday, March 15, 2024: "Visions of Glory", Cold, snowy day, bad road conditions so D&T don't end up coming, Applegate mtg, Joe Vaal passes away and Barbara Sayer

 

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 29

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 28:27-31; 29

God continues to give revelation to guide His children.

October General Conference

"Seeing God's Family through the Overview Lens" by Sister

Tamara W. Runia

Relief Society

"Be Peaceable Followers of Christ" Elder Quentin L. Cook

Book

"Your Endowment"

Chapter 21 The Commandment of Consecration in Genesis 22

* When the Lord Has Thoroughly Proved Him

* A Lesson on Being Like God

* The Sacrifice of All Things

* The Abrahamic Covenant, the Temple and the Atonement

* The Holy Spirit of Promise

* Summary

The Lord doesn't ask much of us; He asks everything.

-Your Endowment, p. 216

 "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient enough to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things.

When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding is life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life."

I ordered the book "Visions of Glory" today. Michelle Tesarek talked about it when she was here for the youth devotional a few weeks ago and she said she was going to get the book for me. I just thought she probably forgot so I ordered it myself. 

This turned out to be a cold, snowy day. Trina was going to bring the girls up and Rowan and Darrel were going to come up later tonight. We checked road conditions and it said some closures. Trina also checked the webcam and it showed white out conditions. She decided not to come and I don't blame her. I must say that I am disappointed though.

James had a meeting with the Jimmy Applegate today. He needs either an architect or an engineer to redo his plans. James asked Vance Goodman, Pierce's son and he figured the cost would be $15,000. Jimmy said that was too much money so now James has to find someone else.

We made a trip to town today. We did our shopping at Walmart and picked up my thyroid prescription. I also paid tithing, two credit cards, and my Apple card. 

James put the sheets on the bed downstairs and upstairs making sure everything was ready for company. This is before we found out that no one was coming. Oh well, at least we are ready for next time.

We received new that both Joe Vaal and Barbara Sayer passed away. Joe's family will take care of his funeral. It will not be in our ward. Barbara Sayer's will be in the valley.

Former RS Presidency in Vernon

Debbie Miller - counselor, Kailee Nichol - President

Amy Reynolds - counselor, Tamara Applegate - secretary

Prophets of this Dispensation

Rebecca's recipe