Wednesday, August 21st, 2024: Miserable, slept most of the mrng while J was @ work, Ben & Cayli want to be married here, want J to marry them, Sheri stressed

 

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 58 & 59

Come Follow Me

Alma 58:1-12, 31-37; 61

Followers of Jesus Christ are not easily offended.

April General Conference

"The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ" Elder Dale G. Renlund

D& C 109:70

Have mercy upon all their immediate connections, that their prejudices may be broken up and swept away as with a flood; that they may be converted and redeemed with Israel, and know that thou art God.

I woke up miserable. I slept most of the morning while James was at work. The only relief I get is when I take a couple of aspirin.

This is the news of the day. Ben and Cayli want to be married here and they want James to marry them. Sheri is quite stressed by the fact that James does not have the authority to marry them according to the Church. She said the only reason they didn't elope was because she told Ben she thought grandpa could marry them. She thought because he had been a bishop that he could. She even suggested he get an online certificate but James won't do that. He wants to follow the guidelines of the Church. He says "marriage is ordained of God."

I am going to make an appointment with our bishop to talk to him. Maybe he will have some advice for us. James already tried to text Ben and get him to consider the temple. He never heard back from him. 

A wedding at our house is a bit overwhelming. I wouldn't do it for anyone but one of my kids or grandkids.

Notes & Quotes

 "As the Holy Ghost exerts a greater influence in our lives, we progressively and iteratively develop Christlike attributes. Our hearts change. Our disposition to do evil diminishes. Our inclination to do good increases until we only want "to do good continually." And we thereby access the heavenly power needed to endure to the end."

- Dale G. Renlund

'The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle Of The Doctrine Of Christ'

Tina Allen's new shoulder

 Joy in the Journey lists

Grandma Belle & Emily

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024: Aspirin is the only thing helping me, James still working at Hipps's, Visit with Millie & Jerry Scott, Kerri & Catherine bring me a gift,

 

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 57

Come Follow Me

Alma 53:10-22; 56:43-49, 55-56; 57:20-27; 58:39-40.

Having faith in God helps me overcome fear.

April General Conference

"Pray, He Is There" Sister Susan H. Porter

D&C 109:69

Have mercy, O Lord, upon his wife and children, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand.

I feel pretty good this morning because I took two aspirin. 

James is still working trying to finish up at the Hipps's. I wanted him to come with me to deliver Millie's birthday present, but he was too busy. 

This is the third Tuesday of the month and Ruth Gale and I have a standing temple appointment for the 3:30 endowment session on the third Tuesday. I had forgotten to make my appointment. When I went in to make it the app said all of the sessions for today were full. I turned off my phone and turned it back in and tried again but it was the same. This really didn't make any sense to me because our 3:30 session normally has about 12 people or less. I texted Ruth but didn't hear from her until early afternoon. She said she was at the airport, not sure which one, and that next Tuesday works for her. I made an appointment for next Tuesday immediately!

Millie and Jerry live in a tiny one room house. I took Millie a daffodil popup birthday card, a sea foam green (her favorite color) journal, and some fancy pens to write with. Millie turned 81 yesterday. She is five years older than I am. We chatted for awhile and she and Jerry started telling me about their remodel project. Their house has drywall but no taping or texturing. The floor is plywood. I can't imagine them trying to remodel. I think if it was me I was just start over but of course I didn't say anything. Millie seemed excited and said she had waited for a real home for 20 years. Jerry is 82 and he is planning on doing the entire remodel by himself. Their house is so full I just don't see how they can live there while they are remodeling. I love Millie so much and want only the best for her but I'm not sure this is the answer. Millie is constantly serving other people. Her neighbor just had surgery and she has been taking dinner to them every night because they don't really know anyone else in the area. That is the kind of person she is, loving, kind, and giving.

Kerri and Catherine Halcomb visited me this evening and brought me a birthday gift. It was a blanket throw. They picked the right gift for me! We had a nice visit. I am so grateful for good friends!

James walked with my phone this evening. My achiness is starting to come back as the aspirin I took hours ago wears off.

Notes & Quotes

"What gifts can you pray for? There are many, but today I want to share three:

1. Pray to know.

2. Pray to grow.

3. Pray to show.

- Susan H. Porter

'Pray, He Is There'

My tree and sunflowers

Stacy looking pretty

 My birthday cards & letter

Trina giving Darrel some botox

Mason and Tanner

Monday, August 19th, 2024: Happy birthday to me, lots of bday wishes, James's letter, ordered Charlie's bday present, went to dinner @ Red Devil w/ Dennis, Denise, Harold, Vickie

 

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 55 & 56

Come Follow Me

August 19-25 "Preserved By His Marvelous Power" 

Alma 53-63 Introduction

April General Conference

"Words Matter" Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Walk with Him

"Integrity: A Christlike Attribute" Elder Jack N. Gerard

I got so many birthday wishes today through phone calls, texts, Facebook, Instagram, cards, and a letter from James. 

One of the first things I did this morning was order Charlie's birthday present. I texted Kacey and asked what books Charlie likes to read. She said she is in to the Disney Never Girl books. She read the first series and Kacey ordered her the 2nd series. I told her I would order the third series, which I did.

Dennis called this morning to wish me a Happy Birthday. He asked me what I had planned and I said I wanted to go get Italian food, does he know a good restaurant. He said Red Devil. That's where James and I went for our anniversary last year. He said he and Denise would like to come if that would be all right. I said it would be more than all right, it would be wonderful. Harold called and I invited him and Vickie to come too. We are meeting there at 5 p.m. 

I am so happy to be able to get to see my brothers and their wives.

James came home from work early to help me. The first thing I wanted him to do was get rid of the dead wasps in my office. He vacuumed the entire upstairs and cleaned the toilet which Tom had been drinking out of. There were paw prints all over the seat.

He washed and changed the sheets on our bed. This afternoon he had a phone meeting with Armando and David Chacon. Armando ended up collecting $10,000 in cash which he took to Brian. There will be more to come when the extras are resolved. Mr. Chacon does not like Salvador. He thinks he is dishonest. That has not been our experience with Salvador although he may owe us some money regarding the remodel on Chacon's bathroom.

James and I left the house around 4 this afternoon to drive to Red Devil which is in Pinetop. We got there just about the same time as Harold, Vickie, Dennis & Denise. Denise went in ahead of us to get a table. Even though it was only 5 this place was packed. Denise did manage to get us a table right in the middle of the restaurant.

Our order went something like this:  Denise got the chicken marsala, Dennis ordered the chicken alfredo, Vickie got a salad and something with portabella mushrooms. Harold got a pizza and James got scallops, shrimp, and noodles in marinara sauce. I got the 3 large 5 cheese ravioli "pillows" ( my name for them). Our waitress served us bread, butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar while we were waiting for our meal. 

We waited, and waited, and waited. It was busy and they took a long time to serve us. Finally our food came. I was happy with what I got. The five cheeses in the ravioli were so creamy and delicious. Denise, Dennis and James were satisfied with their meals. Vickie complained that the dressing on her salad was sour and that her food was burned. Harold's pizza was burnt too. I felt so bad for them. I am not sure why they didn't complain to the waitress. It could have been because they didn't want to take the time because we had already waited so long for our food. They never said anything to anyone but they did not leave a tip and they told us they would not come back. It put a little bit of a damper on the evening because I felt bad for them.

I received a video from Charlie wishing me a happy birthday. Tomorrow is her first day of school and she went to bed before we got home. Otherwise we would have Face Timed with them. 

I missed seeing my friend Millie today who share my birthday. I told her I would come and see her tomorrow. 

It was a good day for me even though I am in physical pain. I was in so much pain during the night, in my neck, that I took a couple of aspirin. I am taking a chance because they make my face swell, but nothing else seems to help with the pain.

Notes & Quotes

"Christian kindness is not a substitute for integrity."

- Jack N. Gerard

'Integrity: A Christlike Attribute'

Charlie loves to read!

My birthday cake

Vernon rainbow

Rowan and friends

Vernon ward

I love that Scarlett wants to be a

cowgirl!!

Sunday, August 18th, 2024: No church for me because of my hands & arms, James goes alone, High Council Sunday, Brother Peeler taught SS, Kathy brings us Cafe Rio chicken burros & ice cream

 

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Book of Mormon

Ama 53 & 54

Come Follow Me

Scripture Central

April General Conference

"A Higher Joy" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

D&C 109:69-72

69 Have mercy, O Lord, upon his wife and children, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand.

70 Have mercy upon all their immediate connections, that their prejudices may be broken up and swept away as with a flood; that they may be converted and redeemed with Israel, and know that thou art God.

71 Remember, O Lord, the presidents, even all the presidents of thy church, that they right hand may exalt them, with all their families, and their immediate connections, that their names may be perpetuated and had in everlasting remembrance from generation to generation.

72 Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all their families, and all their immediate connections, with all their sick and afflicted ones, with all the poor and meek of the earth; that the kingdom, which thou hast set up without hands, may become a great mountain and fill the whole earth;

My hands and arms heart so much I was not able to lift them to get my clothes on or to do my hair. I went back to bed on the recliner. 

James went and took notes for me. It was high council Sunday. 

Brother Peeler taught gospel doctrine. James said he made this comment when he started: "I'm going to need help from all of you because Sister Lambson isn't here. She knows more about the Book of Mormon than anyone I know." It is so sweet that he thinks that about me. I really don't think I know as much as he thinks I do but it was still nice of him.

After church I got a text from our neighbor, Kathy Crane. 

Hi Karen, How are you doing? I am making Cafe Rio green burros for dinner. Would you like to have some?

I thanked Kathy and told her yes I would and that she was too good to me. We got six burros and two small pints of Baskin & Robbins

strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Everything was delicious. We have the best neighbors!

Kim taught her last gospel doctrine class today. She was released and called as a Primary teacher. Being a Primary teacher is just as important as being a gospel doctrine teacher and she loves Primary. 

Brian is now the Elder's Quorum president.

It rained and thundered tonight. Tom does not like the thunder. 

James and I took a little drive this afternoon to see if we could find where the Jensen's live. The Jensen's are a new family in our ward. 

They live in the new white house just off of 3144. I told James that I loved this house. We are excited to have a new family with kids in our ward. Brother Jensen is a doctor who works from home. I'm not sure exactly how that works.

When we return home the horses were waiting for us in the garage. 

I talked with Janna Grombach today about the auction. She said that Laren Ellsworth bought James's rifle and his wife Kristy bought Lois's quilt. Laren bought the gun for $300 and Kristy the quilt for $200.

Notes & Quotes

"During the coming days, weeks, and months, may I invite you to:

* Spend time in a sincere, full-hearted effort to draw near to God.

* Seek diligently for everyday moments of hope, peace, and joy.

* Bring joy to others around you."

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

' A Higher Joy'

Charlie gets mail

She knows it is books and she is so happy!

More "Never Girl" books!

Kathy Crane gave me a birthday card

and these beautiful roses from

her rose garden.

Tonight's moon

Saturday, August 17th, 2024: Hurting again this morning, brkfst, pills, prayers, scripture study, chili for tonights benefit dinner, chili, coleslaw, rolls, Texas sheetcake

 

Seattle, Washington

19th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Book of Mormon

Alma 52

Come Follow Me

Alma 50-51

Unity brings safety.

April General Conference

"Fruit that Remains" Elder Matthew . Carpenter

D&C 109:68

O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., and all his afflictions and persecutions - how he has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O Mighty God of Jacob - and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely striven to do thy will.

I wake up hurting every morning, barely able to move. I take my thyroid pill, lay back down for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes is up I go in and fix myself a light breakfast so I can take a couple of Tramadol. I then lay down for an hour or so until the Trams can take effect.

I say my prayers and decide if I feel well enough to read my scriptures. Sometimes James wants to have "Come Follow Me" before work. It's not too long before I need another nap. The last few day I have not felt like walking.

Early this afternoon I ate some lunch, took more Tramadol and another nap. After my nap I went in to fix chili for tonight's dinner and benefit auction for Ann and Lily Johnson. I am using one of the Wendy's copycat recipes. There are two.

The only thing in this recipe I question is the amount of stewed tomatoes it calls for, which is three. I only put in two. I used one package of seasoning package instead of two. This recipe has celery, and green pepper which gives it some crunchiness. I love this chili and so does James, but we ended up eating someone else's. He said you didn't get to pick which one you wanted but just had to take whichever one you were served. James was definitely disappointed. He brought home two plates which cost us $10 a piece. We ate our chili, coleslaw, rolls and Texas sheet cake together. 

Notes & Quotes

President Nelson has said: "Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation for eternal life. It requires one to be married to the right person, in the right place, by the right authority, and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully. Then one may be assured of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God."

- Elder Matthew L. Carpenter

'Fruit that Remains'

Bighorn sheep without any horns

When dad babysits

My sleepy cat

Class of 1966 in 2024

Love that she is reading

the Book of Mormon!

Friday, August 16th, 2024: Another painful, groggy morning, Laura calls, James works @ Hipps's, paid Hatch concrete and credit card, Tignor's sealing, Walmart & BK

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Book of Mormon

Alma 51

Come Follow Me

Alma 47

Satan tempts and deceives little by little.

"Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship" Elder Robert D. Hales

April General Conference

"Faithful to the End" Sister Andrea Munoz Spannaus

D&C 109:67

Another painful, groggy morning. James went to work at Hipps's after prayer and scriptures. 

I got a call from Laura this morning. She had heard that James had been in the hospital and wanted the low-down, so I told her. It was nice to hear from her.

James came home for lunch and we shared my leftover orange chicken and chow mien noodles. 

Daryl Johnson is demanding one of his barbershop chairs be replaced because there is a pinhole in it. James ordered him a new one. I think he is just trying to find things to be wrong so he can stall paying us.

I took it easy today, paying some bills, doing a little laundry and making sure the kitchen is clean. 

We are going to the temple this evening to see the Tignor's be sealed. Their sealing is at 7:00. We left the house and 6:00 and we were the last guests to arrive. We went up right behind the Skousens. 

A Brother Checketts was the sealer and his wife was with him. It was difficult for me to hear him and I think Barbara had a hard time too. Once he asked if he needed to speak louder and Barbara raised her hand. We were facing T-Bo during the sealing. He looked so happy!

After the sealing was complete each couple was invited to come up, one at a time to congratulate the happy couple. When it was our turn Barbara said to me: "Are you on drugs?" I told her, "always."

Apparently several people heard her because afterwards a people said to me, "Are you on drugs?"

These are the ward members who attended the sealing:

Us, Jerry * Millie Scott, Rick & Rosie Lauritzen, Chris & Becky Skousens, Willy & Janna Grombach, Cope & Amy Reynolds, Richard & Cress Miller, Shanna Penrod, Brother Peeler, Bishop & Alicia Hunsaker, Pierce & Susan Goodman, Chuck & Kathy Crane, and Collin & Wendy DeWitt.  Amy & Cope Reynolds were the witnesses.

On the way home we got a couple of Burger King Juniors and then did some shopping at the Taylor Walmart. I am making chili for tomorrow nights benefit dinner for the Johnson family and I need all of the ingredients. We saw the Skousen's, the Grombach's, and the Tignor's while shopping. 

It rained on us all the way home. Tom was under the couch out on the deck. I think he was hiding from the thunder. He was so happy when James let him in.

Notes & Quotes

"To David, the cause of God was the most important cause. So, full of faith in a God who would not abandon him, he gathered five smooth stones, took up his sling, and went to face the giant. 

The scriptures tell us that the first stone David threw hit Goliath's forehead, ending his life."

- Sister Andrea Munoz Spannaus

'Faithful To The End'

A Christian concert Kacey went to

Barbara Tignor in her garden

Mushrooms on the walk to

Mt. Baldy