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

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 88:5

Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son-

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:26-46

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 14:1-14; John 15:1-8

General Conference

Just As He Did

W. Christopher Waddell

"It isn't necessary for someone to be suffering, like my brother, from a life-threatening disease in order to be in need of ministering service. Those needs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and conditions. A single parent; a less-active couple; a struggling teen; an overwhelmed mother; a trial of faith; or financial, health, or marriage issues - the list is almost endless. However, like Mike, no one is too far gone, and it's never too late for the Savior's loving reach."

I got up early to walk and work on my blog and do some Relief Society work. I was ready to leave for the valley a little after 9. James is taking a load of materials down in his truck to the Chacon job so he will be about an hour behind me. My first stop was at the Vernon post office. I bought some stamps and then asked Debbie, the post mistress if she would hold my mail. I had to sign a card giving her permission. I picked up four books and was on my way to Show Low. When I got to Show Low my first stop was the UPS store to mail my books. I borrowed a dolly to bring the heavy box weighing 35 lbs. in. 

From the UPS store I went to Walmart to pick up three prescriptions. To my surprise all three were ready, including the Tramadol. After stopping to get gas I was ready to leave town, going through Linden, Pinedale, Heber, and Payson.

I arrived in Chandler at Dr. Douglas's office a few minutes early for my appointment. I talked to Chris, the office manager about dental insurance. I had called Physicians' Mutual before leaving home and they were too high and they don't cover crowns until after you have been on the program for a year. Instead of costing $820 like I thought, my crown will cost $1,800 because it is over an implant. Christ gave me a number to call for reduced rates. I paid them $349 for a 5 year plan which offers 33% off most procedures. That brought the cost down to somewhere between $1,500 and 1,600 dollars. $1,100 went on my Care Credit card which means same as cash for a year and I will pay the balance of $547 when I come in the end of the month for my cleaning and to have the crown mounted. Dental work is so expensive!

All they did today was make impressions of my teeth which will be taken to the lab where they will make the crown. There was no shots, or drilling. Dr. Douglas did something really nice for me. She fixed my two chipped teeth. One was right in the front and made me very self -conscious. Thank you Dr. D!

I met James at the Chandler mall where we ate at The Cheesecake Factory. He was pretty upset when he got there saying that he could not get in to start excavation on the house he is building until this guy named Robert finishes another house that Chacon is building.

We have a gift card that Kim and Brian gave me for Mother's day. I ordered the French Country Salad with grilled asparagus, mixed greens, fresh beets, goat cheese, candied pecans and vinaigrette. It was delicious. I also ordered the crab bites.  James had his favorite, the chicken pot pie. We both enjoyed our meal and afterwards we ordered a piece of cheesecake to share. We ordered the Ghirardelli cherry chocolate cheesecake and it was very good. It was cherry cheesecake with chocolate cake. I thought the cheesecake was a little too soft, I like mine very firm and James didn't like the cake. But let's just say, we did not leave any on the plate.

 What was left of my salad

Hawaii and Alaska side by side

After we ate James went over to the Willis's to pick up a ladder and I headed for Darrel and Trina's. Trina had taken Lola and Ruby to their dance dress rehearsal, and Addy was gone to the lake with friends, but Rowan was home. Rowan helped me carry my bags in after which I laid down to take a nap. Soon James showed up. He played a game with Rowan and then joined me for a nap.

When Trina got home I got up and visited with her for awhile and walked around the house. James was very tired and went to bed early.

Hiking on Horton Creek

They actually did this on Monday

She had a busy day!

Monte had hair!