Sunday, June 14th, 2020

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

DC 128:23

Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye sold rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Review Alma 8-12 with Sunday group at the Crane's; "Come Follow Me Weekly" podcast

Lambson Study Group

Discussion with Jared, Kacey, Kim, Brian, Sheri, and James about the role of Grace in overcoming trials

April General Conference

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Laudy Ruth Kaouk

"Don't hesitate to ask for a priesthood blessing when you need extra guidance. It is in our difficult moments that we need the Spirit to help us the most."

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Enzo Serge Petelo

"Joseph Smith was a young man who was called of God to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ and, for that purpose, was given the priesthood, which he used to bless all mankind."

I actually ironed James a white shirt this morning. Granted, I should have done it yesterday, but at least I did it!

Our Sunday group met at the Crane's this morning. At the Crane's the main source of entrance is through the garage and in the back door. I'm not sure why except Kathy says it is easier. We would have to climb a set of stairs to get to the front door and I guess that is the reason why.

The Crane's have a garden, a shed, a green house, and the nicest, neatest garage I have ever seen. Their home is one a hill and has a beautiful view which Chuck can see from his office. We sat at the dining room table next to the glass door which leads out to their backyard. It is so nice. Kathy is a gardner and there are plants in containers, both hanging and on the ground, everywhere. There is a small patio with some patio furniture then a patch of green grass against a rock wall where the yard continues on with trees on the property. The ground has been cleaned. Everything  is clean, well cared for and in its proper place. 

The Peeler's and the Goodman's gathered with us. Kathy told us where to sit. We partook of the sacrament and then studied the "Come Follow Me" lesson. Kathy had prepared a fruit compote and a lemon cake for our refreshments. It was delicious. We enjoy our association with these wonderful people.

This afternoon James and his partner Dave Westbrook went to visit Anthony out on the range where Dave used to run cattle. James did the "Come Follow Me" lesson with Anthony and Dave, including the videos. Dave is struggling a little because many of his children and grand children have not accepted the gospel in their lives.

During our Facetime with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. Jared told about returning Molly to San Antonio and having dinner with Emmy, Anna, and Molly at the Mellow Mushroom. James is in the army and is stationed in Arizona right now. Jared made the comment that James has family in Arizona and would they be able to visit. One of the girls said no, because of Covid-19. They said he loved it because he gets to sleep on the ground in ditches.

Anna is going to go to school at Texas State which is north of San Antonio. She is going to live in an apartment with her friend. She has about $5,000 saved and grants will help with her schooling. She wants to study art. Emmy still plays soccer. She makes money by being a soccer ref. It was nice to get a report on how the kids are doing.

Jared and Kacey are concerned about Molly and the medication she takes for her ADHD. It is very mood altering. Kacey spends a lot of time with Molly when she stays with them and Molly seems to cling to her. She needs the attention.

During our Skype session with Kim, Brian, Jared, Kacey, and Sheri, Stacy texted and said she was doing worse and would we all please pray for her. Of course we said we would. We had a good discussion on trials and the part Grace plays in overcoming trials. 

These are the talks we listened to this week. The one by Brad Wilcox was extra but it was one of our favorites.

1. "Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done"

Robert D. Hales, October 2011

2. "His Grace Is Sufficient"

Brad Wilcox, July 12, 2011

BYU Speeches

3. "In the Strength of the Lord"

David A. Bednar, October 23, 2001

BYU Speeches

4."For Times of Trouble"

Jeffrey R. Holland, March 18, 1980

BYU Speeches

5. "Challenges: But for a Small Moment"

Neal A. Maxwell, Sept 1, 1974

BYU Speeches

Lot of reading but it was good reading. Our discussion lead us to Grace and how the enabling power of the Atonement helps us to overcome trials and burdens. It was a great discussion. 

This evening James wrote a letter to Ben and I worked on my blog. It was a great way to end a wonderful Sabbath day. 

 Happy Birthday to Brian!

and

Happy Birthday to Dallin!

"We Love You Both"

 If I had a cow I would want him to look just

like this.

 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Luke Lambson

Today's sunset

Sunday, May 3rd, 2020

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Zechariah 14:9, 16

9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.

16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Review Mosiah 7-10 with our friends the Peeler's and the Goodman's

April General Conference

"Ensuring a Righteous Judgment"

Elder James R. Rasband

 "The doctrine of Christ - which consists of the saving principles and ordinances of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end - is taught numerous times in all the scriptures of the Restoration but with particular power in the Book of Mormon. The doctrine begins with faith in Christ, and every one of its elements depends upon trust in His atoning sacrifice."

We had our "Come Follow Me" meeting this morning at 11 a.m. The Goodman's and Peeler's came but the Crane's didn't. Kathy spent the night in the emergency room and did not feel like coming.

We sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" as the opening hymn and then Barbara Goodman gave the opening prayer. The sacrament song was "Jesus Once of Humble Birth." Owen blessed the bread and James passed. Pierce blessed the water and James passed. We are grateful for these good friends to share in the sacred ordinance with us. 

We studied the "Come Follow Me" lesson for this week, Mosiah 7-10 "In the Strength of the Lord."

After our lesson discussion we had German chocolate cake and ice cream and sang Happy Birthday to Owen who will be 83 on May 8th.

Everyone went home and James and I had some lunch, a stuffing, and pork casserole with green beans. It was quite delicious.

At 1:00 we attended Johnny Wilhelm's baptism at their pond on the property where they are building their new home. Here are some of the photos. The wind was blowing so hard it was difficult to hear the speakers. Aunt Lannie, our ward Primary president, gave the talk on baptism and Talon, or Elder Wilhelm, Johnny's older brother spoke on the Holy Ghost. Talon was serving a mission in Africa and was called home because of the pandemic. He is leaving tomorrow for Georgia, USA, to finish his mission.

 Johnny's mom and his sister Alice were

the witnesses

Johnny Wilhelm

The Wilhelm's are a family with 10 amazing children. I was the Mia Maid advisor for both Trenda and Alice and the Primary teacher for Curtis and Zemira. Johnny called me on the phone and invited me to his baptism and he speaks like a little adult. I love their mom Sandra who is truly an amazing woman. James is their ministering brother. This family means so very much to us and we are so proud of, and happy for, Johnny.

Honestly, I was grateful when the baptism was over so we could get out of the wind. Trenda came over to speak with us. She works at the doctors in Flagstaff where James has an appointment next week. Trenda was the most amazing young woman and I always felt like she could teach me more than I could teach her. I also spoke with Alice. Alice is trained to be a firefighter. Right now she is working as a dispatch caller in St. Johns. She says she knows all of the crime going on in Apache county and we might be surprised by some things happening in safe little Vernon. I told her I would rather not know. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

James and I fasted today for the control of the corona virus again. He fasted and I succumbed and ate some food so I could take my pain meds. Fasting is difficult for me but I am determined to keep trying. I have been successful in the past and I intend on doing better and being successful in the future. I do have a testimony of the power of fasting, I am just weak.

When we got home we rested and finished studying for our family study on pride and humility. We Face Timed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie and Tanner. Tanner wants to come out in November and go elk hunting with James. James told him he could ride the horse.

We had a good discussion on pride and humility with Kim, Brian, Sheri, and Jared and Kacey. Paul and Stacy did not attend. Darrel and Trina went to Horton Creek because Darrel had the day off. I wish they would join with us in our discussions. I asked Trina if they wanted to do "Come Follow Me" with the kids via Skype but she never answered me.

One of the things we most look forward to on the Sabbath is pictures of Charlie. Kacey is so good and faithful in always sending us pictures of Charlie in her Sunday best.

 I love this picture! The look so much

alike!

Charlie getting ready to read

the Book of Mormon

 I also look forward to Scarlett's Sunday photos

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020

Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Mar 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

Isaiah 5:16

But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31:13-21

I love Sister Dalton!

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 31

The Shattered Threads of Life

October 2019 GenCon

Be Faithful, Not Faithless

Stephen W. Owen

"Brothers and sisters, I testify that Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church. He is inspiring our leaders and guiding us to the spiritual nourishment we need to survive and thrive in the latter days. That spiritual nourishment will help us be faithful and not faithless. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We left the house around 7 o'clock this morning and drove to the Walmart on Baseline and Signal Butte. James bought a pair of shoes. I got caught up in buying a basket and gifts for Sandra Wilhelm. Yesterday was her birthday. I want to get her something nice because she is such an amazing person. She is raising 10 children in a teeny tiny house. I almost made us late for our session at the temple. Also, I told James to turn the wrong way getting off the freeway and that cost us an extra five minutes. 

When we arrived at the temple it was a little past 8. The session starts at 8:30. I am sure Sheri is already here. The first thing I did was go to the records office and ask them to print off a family name for me. We were able to do this because I have the family tree app on my phone. We could have done this for James too but instead he just used a temple name.

We dressed and went upstairs to the chapel. We were the last two they let in. As the company got up to walk to the FaceTime room Sheri turned around and when she saw us she had the biggest smile on her face. That smile was worth any effort we had to make to be here.

Sheri saved me a place by her. I love going to the temple with family members. Kim couldn't make it this morning. She goes to work at 10. 

There were 112 brothers and sisters in our session. That's over twice as many as we can handle in a session in Snowflake. 

The session went smoothly and efficiently. Each row has 8 seats and the two sisters each took a side of the room and did four sisters in each row.

There are 12 veils in the Gilbert temple, twice as many as we have in Snowflake. They moved us through quickly and effectively. Sheri and I visited in the Celestial room for a few minutes. She told me a story Ben told her about a girl named Lucy on his mission. The family name I went through for was Lucy Skinner. I wanted Sheri to wait for James but she said she had to get to work so we said our goodbyes. James wasn't too upset that she left without saying goodbye to him. I think he understands the demands of work.

After the session James took me to the Hobby Lobby on Gilbert Rd. I wanted to get some decorations for St. Patrick's day. Yesterday Lola had a leprechaun trap she had made. It was a shoebox decorated with a Skittles rainbow and several Rollos stacked up to look like a pile of gold. She was taking it to school for an activity.

After I finished shopping at Hobby Lobby, we drove across the street and down half a block to Olive Garden. We were the first one in the door at 11.  James ordered zoodles primavera which consists of zucchini noodles and other vegetables with grilled chicken. So healthy. I ordered chicken scampi with sauce, onions, bell peppers and noodles. Not so healthy but very delicious.

We had breadsticks and salad and for dessert we shared a chocolate lasagna brownie. Thank goodness for gift cards or we would never order dessert.

Brownie layered with cream cheese.

It was good but my favorite dessert here is

the strawberry cheesecake.

I left the brownie we didn't eat and my leftover chicken scampi in Darrel and Trina's frig. 

We went back to Darrel's and both took a nap. As I got up from my nap I began looking for the card I bought for Tanner and the one I bought for Sandra. They were in the same Walmart bag. I could not find them. James looked in the car and I looked everywhere inside. Have we done it again? Did I leave the bag in the cart or on the counter at Walmart? 

We got ready to go. No one was there to say goodbye to. Our first stop before leaving town was Walmart.  I wanted to get Tanner and Sandra another card so we could send Tanner's today and deliver Sandra's on our way home.

While I was looking for cards James was at the service counter with my morning receipt. He came over to me and gave me a gift card. He said, not only did you leave the cards but you left some Easter grass and other items totaling around $15. I used the gift card to check out. Sometimes James is on the right track, especially when it comes to matters of money.

We mailed Tanner's card before leaving town and delivered Sandra's basket on the way home. Why didn't I take  picture? The basket was a cute pink basket with a stuffed cow you can play peek-a-boo with. There were two bags of mini Cadberry chocolate eggs, Sandra's favorite. I put in my favorite lotion, Jergen's Original and my favorite bodywash Soft Soap Honeysuckle and Orange. There was a pedicure brush, body scrubbers, purple and yellow and Sister Nelson's book. Sandra was very grateful and so was Lanel, her little two year old girl.

I forgot to mention that we stopped at Burger House on the way home. James got a green chili burro and I got a bean and cheese. Mine was delicious and so was his. 

We FaceTimed in the car with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. We had a REALLY good visit!

When we got home and got everything unloaded and put away, we watched a Hallmark movie starring Jesse Metcalf. It's the Martha's Vineyard Mystery Series, episode two.

I did not get my steps on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. I have some catching up to do this week.

Trenda's birthday is March 1st and her mom's is

March 2nd.

 Trina with Tristan and Tristan's 3 kids

James says even though she is blonde, she

is a black bear. This picture was taken in

British Colombia.