Monday, January 6th, 2020

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Isaiah 45:21

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time: Who hath told it from that time: Have not I the Lord" And there is no God else beside me; A just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.

Book of Mormon

"Come Follow Me" 1 Nephi 1

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ:

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Being converted unto the Lord means leaving one course of action, directed by an old belief system, and adopting a new one based on faith in Heavenly Father's plan and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. This change is more than an intellectual acceptance of gospel teachings. It shapes our identity, transforms our understanding of life's meaning, and leads to unchanging fidelity to God. Personal desires that are contrary to being anchored to the Savior and to following the covenant path fade away and are replaced by a determination to submit to the will of Heavenly Father."

"Trust in the Lord"

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Resurrection for all in the spirit world is assured by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22), though it occurs at different times for different groups. Until that appointed time, what the scriptures tell us about activity in the spirit world principally concerns the work of salvation. Little else is revealed. The gospel is preached to the ignorant, the unrepentant, and the rebellious so they can be freed from their bondage and go forward to the blessings a loving Heavenly Father has in store for them."

My Thoughts and Actions

Can I experience peace and happiness through healthy eating?

Joseph did not let his questions paralyze his faith.

I spent three hours this morning blogging Christmas Day. Then I went for my infusion at the Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates.

The Door

My infusion is based on my weight. So I always have to weigh. I feel the after Christmas blues coming on as I look at the scale.

The same time I am having my infusion James is at the Sonoran Spine Center for his checkup. Because of the aching in James's upper back and ribs the physician ordered an MRI. 

After our appointments James picked me up and we headed across Baseline to Ironwood behind the Home Depot on Baseline and Country Club to a little place called Crackers where Laura and Cathi were waiting for us for lunch. 

Years ago, before Chandler was inundated with restaurants I used to come to Crackers with Cid Elmer. They are open for breakfast and lunch and specialize in sandwiches, soups and salads. I had a chicken salad, Laura had chili, Cathi had artichoke spinach soup with half a roast beef sandwich, James had vegetable beef soup with half a tuna melt sandwich. Everything was delicious. James should have gotten a whole sandwich because evidentally a half one didn't fill him up. He finished off my salad for me.

It was great to reconnect with two of our favorite people. We said our goodbyes and headed for James's mom's house in Tempe.

Lois was there waiting for us. She had candy and nuts on the counter and of course I had to grab a handful. We are here to pick up the massager that Dawn bought for us. I made out a check for $219 and gave it to Lois. When visited a few minutes and then had to be on our way because James has a meeting with Armando at the jobsite in Mesa.

On our way over Armando called to say he wasn't going to make it. James was a little disappointed. The meeting was regarding work that was done that the engineer did not approve. It is a frustrating situation. It involves how much dirt was taken out of a retention basin. First, the engineer never staked it, second when we followed his stakes he said we were too deep. This problem has gone on for weeks and is impeding progress.

We had some time to kill. We are supposed to pick up Joshua from the Circle K on Queen Creek and McQueen at 3:20. I suggested we go to Deseret Book so I could use my gift card that Sheri got me for Christmas. We did and I did. I bought the next volume in The Joseph Smith Papers and a Book of Mormon Study Guide that EmilyBelle Freeman recommended. I also bought a cherry drink that tasted like medicine.

Next stop, Circle K. When Joshua wasn't there by 3:20, honestly, I thought someone was dropping him off, I looked at my phone and I had received a text from him. He asked if I could pick him up at the school because the sidewalks are closed. I then realized he was walking, which under normal circumstances would have been fine because it's just a little over a mile. But these were not normal circumstances. All along Queen Creek Rd there is construction and all of the sidewalk is closed, just like Joshua said. 

We drove down Queen Creek to Gilbert Rd and took a right and went about a quarter of a mile to Joshua's school. There he was waiting for us. We took him home and I offered to stop at Circle K for a treat but Joshua declined because he wanted to "get right home and start his homework." What kid passes up a treat for homework.?

Stacy started cosmetology school today and that's why she needed help with Joshua. I guess Kim will probably wind up helping. 

Finally, back to Darrel and Trina's and my comfy clothes. Ruby, Addy, and Trina are at home. We have a little discussion about war and Trump ordering a terrorist to be assassinated. Ruby is studying some of the things that happened in WW11.  We also talked about the Second Coming of the Savior and walking to Jackson county Missouri. Trina said she didn't want to walk to Missouri because it was cold. 

Trina made tacos for dinner and then took Ruby and Lola to tumbling. I talked a little bit with Addy about being the Laurel class president of 14 girls. She is thinking about who she is going to chose for counselors. 

Rowan walked to Safeway with friends where they are each buying individual cakes to eat. Rowan said he got red velvet. I said that was just chocolate with red food coloring. While Rowan was eating cake, Addy went on a run.

James walked to Safeway to get tea and other essentials. I wasn't feeling up to it after our tiring day. I stayed home and did the dishes for Trina and made myself a rootbeer float. And I wonder why I can't lose weight. I love food, especially sugar, too much.

James went to bed but I needed to stay up and finish my steps. When I came in the bedroom James was playing Tabernacle Choir songs on his phone. So sweet.

 The watch James gave me for Christmas

Ben's Letter

Friday, May 3rd, 2019

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888

By: Lorenzo Snow

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:28-22:9

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 10:1-21

General Conference

Answers to Prayer

Brook P. Hales

"One aspect of perfect love is our Heavenly Father's involvement in the details of our lives, even when we may not be aware of it or understand it. We seek the Father's divine guidance and help through heartfelt, earnest prayer. When we honor our covenants and strive to be more like our savior, we are entitled to a constant stream of divine guidance through the influence and inspiration of the Holy Ghost."

I spent the morning studying, walking, and getting ready to go to my infusion. We left around 10:25 and I got there a little before 11, the appointed time. James dropped me off and went to see the Willis's. 

The infusion room has been remodeled and I hardly recognized it. The familiar things were Frances, Angie, my chair, pillow, and the infusion tube and stand. I watched Jenna and Laura Bush on Hooda and Jenna on TV. Laura was on with Jenna for mother's day. 

James was still at the Willis's when my infusion was over so I walked about a mile or so down to Wendy's to wait for him. I ordered myself a diet drink and a vanilla frosty. When did vanilla frostys come about. I thought you could only get chocolate. 

We are celebrating Mother's Day for me today. James took me to lunch at Olive Garden and then over to Deseret Book to get President Nelson's life story as written by Sheri Dew. It's called "Insights":

From Deseret Book James took me to Kim's house to relax with her while he went to his appointment in Scottsdale with Dr. Weiner the ears, nose, and throat specialist. Kim and I watched a Lifetime Christmas movie while James was gone on his wild goose chase. He ended up going to the old address and missed his appointment. It wasn't really his fault because he Googled the address and the old address came up. He rescheduled for later in the month. 

When James returned he worked in the laundry room for awhile before we left. 

Brian was in and out while we were there. He had pulled pork in the smoker all night and is taking it to Skousen Park for their father and sons outing. It sure smelled good!

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's they had already left for L.A. Trina is going to the garment district to look for fabric. Rowan was gone to see the movie "Avengers" with friends. The girls were all home. When I asked what they wanted for dinner Lola said, "Peter Piper Pizza." It took a minute for us to talk grandpa into it but he would do almost anything for Lola, Ruby, and Addy, so off we went. (Thanks Trina for leaving us $40.)

Peter Piper was packed with people! We didn't care, we went anyway. We ordered a large cheese pizza for the kids, a medium California veggie for grampa and gramma and a large cinnamon pizza for dessert.

Lola says cinnamon pizza is her favorite

Three years ago at Peter Piper Pizza

When we got home we told the girls to brush their teeth and get their pajamas on. We had family prayer with grampa saying the prayer. Addy complimented him on what a nice prayer it was, and then the girls watched TV while James and I went for a walk. 

Rowan didn't get home until around 11. We were already in bed and James had locked the front door, forgetting about Rowan. Addy opened it for him. James stuck his head out and apologized.

I was up at 1 pm to use the restroom and the TV was still on. Ruby and Rowan were asleep on the couch when I went in to turn the TV off.

Cathryn and Chloe, best friends

and going to be baptized on the same day.

  

Friday, November 16th, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

1 Samuel 16:1

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Book of Mormon#1

4 Nephi 1:1-22

*What is the key to avoiding contention?

-President Russell M. Nelson described the source of the great peace that was described in 4 Nephi: "Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: 'There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people'(4 Nephi 1:15). Love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment - the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne.. 129). Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phillipians 47), be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come."

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 25-26

Old Testament

Daniel 3-4

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

" Latter-day Saint women understand that being a mother is their highest priority, their ultimate joy. President Gordon B. Hinckley said: 'Women for the most part see their greatest fulfillment, their greatest happiness in home and family. God planted within women something divine that expresses itself in quiet strength, in refinement, in peace, in goodness, in virtue, in truth, in love. And all of these remarkable qualities find their truest and most satisfying expression in motherhood.'"

We left for the valley this morning around 5 a.m. after sleeping on the recliners all night. James dropped me off at Darrel and Trina's a little after 8, and I mean dropped my suitcase on the sidewalk and drove off to his appointment in Tempe at 8:30. 

Luckily Trina, Rowan, and Lola were still home. Ruby is on a fieldtrip to the Grand Canyon. Rowan greeted me at the door and helped me carry in my stuff. He told me I left a suitcase here last week. I told him that was my makeup bag and I thought he might want to use it. He came back with, "It's all gone."

Soon everyone was gone and I was home alone. I did some walking and put my books and computer in the shoe room. 

When James got home we went to Chili's for lunch. There is one close by on Baseline and Signal Butte. I got the Carribean salad with shrimp, one of my favorites. James got the salmon. 

I guess his surgery is still on. I thought maybe the doctor would postpone because of his ribs injury. 

After lunch James had a meeting with Mr. Quintana, the owner of the lots in Mesa on Bellview Street where James is putting in the waterlines. He promised me this meeting would be only 15 minutes and he was pretty much true to his word.

We arrived at Kim's and James stayed there while Kim and I went shopping in our car to Deseret Book and Costco. Kim lets Joe take her car to work on Friday evenings.

I used to buy many of my Christmas blankets at Sam's Club but I don't have a Sam's card anymore so Costco and Walmart will have to do. I found two really cool plaid blankets and one blanket for Scarlett and one for Charlie. Kim bought food for her Joe and his cousins dinner on Monday evening. I also bought Jean an electric blanket. She has so much metal in her body she is always cold, hence the electric blanket.

Costco has the most beautiful wrapping paper and ribbon. I had to buy 3 rolls of wrapping paper and three colors of ribbon. 

I also bought two towels to take with us when we stay at Darrel and Trina's. 

At Deseret Book we were looking for stuff to send Ben for Christmas. I also bought myself a new temple suitcase, the cheapest one I could find. I bought a tiny tree with scripture ornaments for Ben. We are coming back tomorrow when Sheri can come with us. 

James was walking down the sidewalk when we got back to Kim's. He hates to just sit around. When we got to Darrel and Trina's Trina was gone and Darrel was on the phone talking to someone about their new house. There were Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies laying out on the counter. Trina had made them for her RS secret sister. Not only does she have sisters she ministers to, she also has a secret sister. Reminds me of girls camp.

James and I walked in the backyard. The weather is perfect, sunny and about 75 degrees. 

Trina brought home dinner. Someone in their wrd is doing a fundraiser for their daughter. They are caterer's and Trina brought us pulled pork, coleslaw, beans, and macaroni and cheese. It was all delicious!

Tomorrow morning Rowan and Addy are supposed to get up early and walk 12 miles to the temple. Rowan does not want to go for two reasons. #1 He has cross country practice everyday after school and by Saturday he is pretty tired. #2 He says he doesn't have any friends in the ward. Trina tried talking to him about going to things so he would have friends. He wanted to hang out with Max, Evan, and Joshua tomorrow afternoon and Darrel told him if he wanted to do that he would need to go on the walk to the temple, so Rowan said he would go. 

James and I made a trip to Fry's. My crown keeps falling out so I had to get some Fixodent, the stuff people use when they have dentures. 

Ruby got home somewhere between 9:30 and 10. She went straight to bed because she has a volleyball at 8:45 in the morning.

Chandler and Highland played in the semi-final state football game tonight. Stacy and Paul went and Stacy said that this should have been the championship game. She admitted that Highland was just as good as Chandler. Chandler won in overtime 36-35 so they play Perry next week for the state championship.

Chandler is Darrel's alma mater and Highland is Trina's.

 Trina's got into the Christmas mood and 

made this display.

 My Chili's salad, one of my favorites

Lola's car that she loves to wash, that's where

the puddle in the corner came from.

Darrel and Trina's great backyard.

 Ruby's adorable smile.

 This baby girl loves to sleep.

Paradise lost

Love that smile.

 Scarlett at IHOP looking at the Grinch pancakes.

Of course she had to order a green pancake!