Monday, April 6th, 2020

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Jesus Christ, Judge

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

General Conference Review - I listened to all of the Saturday sessions as I was traveling to the valley

April General Conference

"Deep in Our Heart"

Brother Douglas D. Holmes

"The Lord is trying to help us - all of us - to get His gospel deeper in our hearts."

James left for the valley this morning somewhere between 5:30 and 6:00. He drove his truck and was pulling a trailer with the Cat on the trailer. He is taking to Armando on the Chacon job. When it's not being used it will be parked at Bill Valentic's construction yard in Chandler.

I left about 6:45 in Lexy. We stopped at the Splash and Dash in Show Low to get gas and to get a car wash for Lexy. I was not the only one washing my car this morning so it took about 30 minutes. I'm glad I left a little early. 

Of course James went the Salt River way and I went the Payson way. According to the sign over the highway the Payson way is a little faster. Not according to James though.

I stopped at the Circle K in Star Valley to use the little girls room. It was interesting to me to see that they had tape on the floor marking where people could stand, six feet apart. There was a glass plate up in front of the people at the register. Glad to see they are taking this coronavirus seriously. I wore disposable gloves into the store but I did not put on my purple bandana. I brought it to use as a face mask but will only use it if I am asked to.

I arrived at the AARA, Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, at 10:30 for my 11:00 appointment. 

The girls behind the desk did not have face masks on but everyone else did, including patients and workers. I was called back by Ange from the infusion center. It is so quiet and very few people here for a Monday morning. Ange says that's because none of the doctors are seeing patients. They are only seeing infusion appointments today. When I got on the scale I was happy to see I had lost a little weight.

I missed seeing Frances. I guess she had the day off. Ange had to poke me four times before she finally found a vein that would work to fill me with Actemra. She said, "You are going to go out of here looking like the wounded dead, and I don't like that." I think she was a little embarrassed. She was so shaken when she was finished with me she just left. Usually she puts my feet up, gets me a cold water, and a pillow. I certainly didn't blame her for my stubborn veins. The one vein that worked was one on the outside top of my right hand. I watched a show called "Two Chicks and a Hammer" about a mother and daughter team who restore old homes for people.

After my infusion I met James had Sheri's house. Ian was there in his UPS van. He gave James some things to store at the cabin including some guns he got from his grandpa. 

James and I went down to the corner of Willis and Arizona Avenue to Culver's to have some lunch. We ate there in the parking lot. When we got back to Sheri's, Sheri was home and talking to Ben on the phone. I guess I should say Elder Trezise. I guess he had just finished doing his exercises because he was dressed in what James called a "white tank top."  We talked about conference and other talks by General Authorities and mission presidents. Ben and his companion are doing a study about pride because Ben says that is the most difficult thing to overcome in the mission field and in life in general. Pride leads to so many more sins.  

Max was in the room with his guitar. He played and sang "The Sound of Silence" for us. It was really good. He is quite talented.

We also got to see Alex, Evan, Ziggie and Ollie. Ollie is obsessed with Sheri. The entire time we were on the phone with Ben, Ollie was starring at Sheri. Every time she talks to him he turns his head to the side as he listens. 

We were going to spend the night at Sheri's but decided to go home instead. James left to go try and get a check from Mario, which he did, and I left a few minutes later. We met at the job and then left for home. Yes, I went home the Salt River way. James's truck dies while he is driving it and I wanted to make sure he made it home safely. 

We got home around 6:15. There is no place like home! I was surprised I could make it without falling asleep, but I did. 

I had less than 3,000 steps when I got home and had a little over 7,000 when I went to bed. I ran off the three talks on faith that Brian wants us to read this week and then listened to all of them on my phone while I walked. James was able to get over 10,000 steps. 

I sold four books today! Total sales: $144.00!

 These are the notes Sheri was referring to.

I love Cowboy Elder Trezise!

The map Elder Bednar used in his talk to show temples

around the world.

Saturday, June 29th, 2019

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

3 Nephi 27:27

And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.

Book of Mormon

Alma 24:7-18

New Testament "He Is Risen"

Look up "Resurrection" in the Topical Guide and in Gospel Topics.

General Conference

The Immediate Goodness of God

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"Above all, God's love is immediate. With Paul, I testify that nothing can 'separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.' Even our sins, though they may separate us from His Spirit for a time, cannot separate us from the constancy and immediacy of His divine paternal love."

Sold "Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought" for $44.97 and made $5.99.

I woke up thinking about my keys and deciding what my plan of action should be. I got up, said a prayer, and did my scripture study. I was hoping to receive some inspiration as to what I should do, but none came. I decided to call Lexus to see if I could pick up a key from them. The guy told me for my year and model the key has to be programmed by a computer and the car has to be brought in. I asked him how I was supposed to bring the car in without a key and he said, "you have it towed." I told him I couldn't afford that. He said that a locksmith can computerize my car for me and that he did have a key for a 2005 RX330. 

I looked up the number for a locksmith and they said he would be out in about 25 minutes. I asked if he could program my key for me and  the guy said yes. When I asked him how much it was going to cost he said the guy would tell me when he came out. I should have insisted upon a price right then.

Jason was the name of the guy who came out. It took him awhile to actually unlock the car and in the meantime he set off the car alarm which was a little embarrassing. Sheri and Ian drove up as he was working on my car. 

After Jason got the car open and we discovered the keys were not in it, I asked him if he could computerize the car for a new key. He did not give me a definite answer and began doing something with his phone. About that time Stacy called me and I told her what was going on. She asked me if I had called the front desk this morning. I told her no, I had told them to call me. She insisted I should call, so I hung up and called them. 

A guy named Matt answered and said yes, he did have my keys. I was a little upset and told him that they were supposed to call when they found my keys and that I had just paid $209 for a locksmith to open my car obviously for no reason. Jason, the locksmith kept telling me if I had roadside assistance that they would reimburse me. When I called the insurance company they said they would reimburse $50. Whoopee!

I felt pretty deflated by this experience. I wondered why I didn't feel prompted to call the front desk before Stacy suggested it. This would have saved me $209. Did I do something to cause myself to be unworthy of the inspiration I sought? It bothered me the rest of the day and it still bothers me. I feel unworthy and need to know why I wasn't prompted.

Sheri and I went to get food for the boys while they were all down swimming with Ian. We went to NYPD pizza and then Walmart to get drinks. She got a 12 pack of diet A&W Rootbeer and so did I. We also got 3 Caramello bars.

Back at the room the boys had pizza and Sheri and I shared a salad. We each had two garlic knots. I think the boys may be getting a little tired of pizza but they didn't complain.

Sheri and I watched "Summer Villa" while the boys and Ian just hung out. After the movie was over Sheri, Ian, Max, and Evan all went home. Joshua stayed here because he is spending another night tonight with Stacy and Paul. Stacy works at Raintree and the 101 which is less than five miles away and will come over after work. Tomorrow is Stacy and Paul's 30th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary!

Sheri had helped me pack my car so I left for home a little after they did. I had already gotten air in my tires earlier this morning. 

I stopped at Culver's in Payson for a cod sandwich and I took James home 3 pieces of fish, coleslaw and green beans for his dinner. It was after 7 when I got home. I was exhausted. After everything was brought in James and I ended the day by watching the latest Hallmark movie, "Sister of the Bride." I have a sore throat and a cough and fall asleep during the movie.

The only picture I got of the boys in

the pool and Sheri took this one. 

Sleeping Beauty

 Lovely Lola

 Scarlett's popsicle hit the spot

Tyler Elmer was Jared's good friend
in high school.

Trip to Utah:

The Salt Lake temple

Monday, October 15th, 2018

Curitiba, Brazil
126th operating temple
Dedicated: 1 June 2008
By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

DC 35:2

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:16-6:14

*How do these verses exemplify the pride cycle? How can we avoid falling into the pride cycle?

-We can avoid falling into the pride cycle by being truly converted to the faith, and by being "firm, steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord." (v.14)

Are our minds and hearts anxiously engaged in good things? Do we just go through the motions or are we truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is the seed of faith planted in our souls?

When our hearts are no longer set upon the things of this world, we will no longer aspire to the honors of men or seek only to gratify our pride. Instead we take on the Christlike qualities Jesus taught and become His disciples. Missionaries are able to set aside the things of this world and focus totally on serving the Lord and His children. Because of this they experience great power and joy, and their hearts are changed and they have no more disposition to do evil but to do good continually as long as they are obedient.

I love all of you so much and see the power you have to do good as you turn your hearts over to the Lord. I ask myself each day in my morning prayers for the Lord to lead me to someone who needs my help.

Old Testament

Jeremiah 22-24

General Conference

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"We have promised our Father in Heaven that we will serve Him and others with love and do His will in all things."

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Savior is your perfect example of how you will play a major part in His move to place greater emphasis on gospel learning in the home."

We left Jared and Kacey's around 5 am Texas time, 3 am Arizona time. We took the toll road and as we neared the Dallas/Ft. Worth area a digital sign said you might want to take a detour because of an accident we did. We took the detour and ended up going right up through the middle of the city. We never had to stop, but this way did some longer if there had not been an accident. James said it was like driving through Phoenix for three hours. The rain is really coming down as it has been most of the time.

We saw a semi-truck jack-knifed in the wrong direction. Traffic going the other direction was backed up for miles. The speed limit here is 70 mph. Most of the time on the freeway it is 75 mph. 

We stopped for gas and some refreshment and it was raining very hard!

Some notes from my book, "The Forgotten Garden":

"A person need rescue themselves."

"A rat, I saw a rat, large as a dog with beady black eyes and sharp teeth. I'm not made for such horrors." (Mrs. Sturgent, the do-gooder, come to take Eliza to the workhouse.)

Some observations about Texas: There are lots of Sonics, Whataburgers, and Dairy Queens. Nearly every town has a water tower. At one point when we saw oil rigs, we could smell the oil.

We stopped at the little town of Post to use the restroom at a McDonald's. We got there just as a bus was unloading and I was able to beat those "older" women to the restroom. I was going to say "Old ladies" but how would that sound? Would I want someone to refer to me in that way?

Another line from "The Forgotten Garden":

"Tiny white cottages clung like barnacles to the rocky cove."

Some of the things we did on this trip: Read from the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament and President Eyring's conference talk, "Women and Gospel Learning in the Home." I read to James from "Saints" and I listened to "The Forgotten Garden." While James drove like a machine or a robot, I slept. How unfair. I offered to drive but he turned me down.

Did you know that there is a UFO museum in Roswell, New Mexico.

We arrived home around 5:45 Arizona time and it was raining. It rained on us most of the way home. It was good to be home.

Some things I learned about Jared's and Kacey's kids on this trip:

-James wants to be a chef.

-Anna wants to go to art school in North Carolina after she graduates.

-Summer is interest in fashion design.

-Tanner loves trucks and he loves taking things apart to see how they work. Putting things back together again is one of his talents.

Darrel and Trina went to Waco to see Joanna and Chip and to shop at the Silo. I guess it was a little too cold for Trina.

Such a cute little face!

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby

I think Scarlett likes to shop with her mom.

Just a little too organized for me.

Friday, October 5th, 2018

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 15:7-16:18

*How can faith and repentance bring about a change of heart?

- When we experience a change of heart we are filled with the Savior's love. The Savior's power comes from His love. Would we suffer less if we loved the Savior more? We cannot pray away another's agency. One more thought today. It doesn't matter who is right, contention is of the devil. President Benson says we can stand "firm and steadfast" in the faith as we learn the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon.

Old Testament

Isaiah 57-59

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear."

We left Darrel and Trina's around 9:15 this morning as Ruby and Lola stood in the doorway waving goodbye to us. Those little girls are so sweet!

I signed in at AARA and sat down by John Trezise in the waiting room. I was surprised to see him. I didn't know he came here. We had a nice little chat before he was called back. 

My infusion, 600 mg of Actemra, went off without a hitch and I was done in an hour. James picked me up and we headed for Texas Roadhouse to use the gift card Cathi and Terry gave us for our anniversary.

Their rolls are delicious served with honey butter. James thought they were too sweet so I had to eat most of them. Oh dear, not a good way to start. I had a delicious filet steak medium with baked potato with butter and sour cream and green beans. It was a super delicious meal. James had chicken but I can guarantee it was not as good as my steak. Thank you Cathi and Terry.

We are now on our way home through Globe and Salt River canyon. I always want to go through Payson but James talks me into going this way by saying it's shorter so I cave.  Actually it doesn't bother me nearly as much as it used to. This time I slept through the canyon.

We got our check from National Turf. James went back into town to deposit it and picked up some lumber for the Howard's job. 
I stayed home, put things away, washed sheets, and cleaned. 

When James got home he helped me put sheets on the two beds upstairs. He also replaced light bulbs, and fixed the curtains in my office. 

We went to bed at 10 or so and Adam and friends were not here. They came in after 11. We heard them even though they were very quiet.

It doesn't get any cuter than this.

Just as cute.

 Journal ideas

Feb 1966, My brother Dennis

is in the front, two stripes on his shirt.

My beautiful roses.