Thursday, May 14th, 2020

Orlando, Florida

46th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Oct 1994

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ, King

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 21; James; Sunday journal, study guide, Sunday on Monday podcast - guest Brady McKay and his wife, a former "drug policeman" in Asia - great stories of faith!"

Inklings

...young Joseph Smith...had questions regarding the salvation of his soul and trusted that God would direct him; "Spiritually Defining Memories: Andersen; James 1:5-6 & 17

Restoration

Church History in the Fulness of Times Chapter 16: "Missouri Persecutions and Expulsions

April General Conference

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Laudy Ruth Kaouk

"I feel blessed to have a worthy father who can provide priesthood blessings whenever I need them and who helps me to see my strengths and eternal potential, just as Lehi did when he blessed his children."

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Enzo Serge Peteio

"The priesthood is the authority to administer the ordinances and covenants of the Savior's gospel to those who are worthy to receive them. Through these priesthood ordinances and sacred covenants come the full blessings of the Savior's Atonement, which helps us achieve our divine destiny."

"He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

April 2016

"Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets"

Elder Robert D. Hales

Positive Affirmations: "I am strong, in control, and patient. (Or so I tell myself).

I fixed James a big breakfast this morning before he left for the valley. Sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and toast with jam. Everything was yummy except for the bacon and sausage. I got Farmland brand because I usually like their bacon but not today. I will probably throw the rest out and the same goes for the sausage which had way too much fast. James did eat the Jimmy Dean regular sausage. It is a little spicy, I wanted mild but couldn't find any.

While James ate I read to him from the Book of Mormon and then we had family prayer. I always say family prayer in the mornings and James says it at night.

Before James left he announced that the car mouse had eaten the bait but did not get caught. He did catch one the other day. It gives me the creeps to think that when I get in my car a mouse could crawl up my pant leg!

After James left I cleaned the kitchen and did the weekly clean of our bedroom and bathroom except for changing our sheets because James had already made the bed before I could grab the sheets. I guess I will have to change them tomorrow.

I did not feel well this afternoon. I had one Tramadol this morning, the last one that James found yesterday. I had no energy and an upset stomach with a potty run every few minutes. I did manage to go out and feed Luna her lunch. 

No book sales today. We did get a message that $487.65 was being sent to our account today and another $675.63 on May 28th. One of my best months, if not the best, ever. I began today entering all of the books I have sold since January 2019. My first book was "Heidi Grows Up" and I made a profit of $12. James is going to do my taxes for me but I need to gather the information for him. 

We got an inspirational message today from Brother Grapp a member of our bishopric. Since he is over the Primary he shared a story that young children could understand. He is such a good and kind man, and I am grateful he is a member of our bishopric.

This afternoon I ran off some lesson helps from The Redheaded Hostess website for this week's "Come Follow Me" message. 

I am doing this for the Grapp family since I am Cammie's ministering sister and I am not sure if she thinks it might still be too early for me to visit. 

It was after three before James left the job and headed for home. He stopped at Burger House and picked up some green chili burros and a bean burro. I do love their bean burros as well as the green chili. James likes the mixed green burros. He also went to Walmart to pick up my Tramadol and some Skinny Cows and the raspberry dark chocolate bars that he likes. He was home at 7:30 and the first thing he did was go out and feed his baby, Luna.

He took a shower and then we watched our episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford."

Lark Rise to Candleford

Season 2 Episode 4

The residents of Lark Rise and Candleford are experiencing more and more changes, and the old ways are receding faster than some like. When an accident happens on the path joining Lark Rise with Candleford, Dorcas Lane and James Dowland clash once again.

Quotes

Laura: 

"It had taken many months for Miss Ellison to secure an invitation to the rectory for a humble postman no matter how ever devout. Miss Margaret had been praying that her father would make Thomas Brown feel welcome, but families have a habit of never quite behaving as to plan.( Her father is lying dead on the floor).

Trina's post. When I saw it I added
blueberries to my shopping list.

 This is an app. The photos change as you
change the date.

James forgot his charger and these important
papers when he left for the valley today.

This girl is so funny!

The Smith farm house at the edge of the
Sacred Grove.

Our friend took this photo near the Salt River
in the valley.

Coal Mine Canyon in Arizona

Tuesday, March 26th, 2019

Twin Falls, Idaho

128th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mosiah 15:2

And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son-

Book of Mormon

Jacob 6:1-13

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:15-21

"Five Loaves and Two Fishes"

James E. Faust

General Conference

"Taking Upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ"

Elder Robert C. Gay

"His grace is sufficient. He alone descended below all things. The power of His Atonement is the power to overcome any burden in our life. The message of the woman at the well is that He knows our life situations and that we can always walk with Him no matter where we stand. To her and to each of us, He says, 'Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but shall have a well of water springing up into everlasting life.'"

James left for the valley around 5:30 this morning. 

At 8:00 I watched the Book Profits webinar which featured Jim and Herman. They  

I left the house around 10:30 to pick up my friend Jean to take her to lunch for her birthday. On the way to Show Low the low tire icon came on so we stopped at Discount Tire for air. The young man who put the air in said he was giving each tire 32 lbs. I said that was fine.

Jean wanted to go to Mountain Thai and get some noodle soup because she was cold. We each got our soup with shrimp and then we added the sweet chili sauce. It was delicious. We ordered fresh mango and sticky rice for dessert. 

On the way home we stopped at Walmart so I could pick up my tramadol prescription. Jean waited for me in the car. 

After taking Jean home I went to the post office to pick up the mail One of the books I had ordered was there. 

In Chandler James is staying at Kim and Brian's. They were told they had mold in their laundry room and had someone come to tear up the walls to treat it. Once the walls were torn up they discovered there was no mold. Now they want James to put everything back together and their insurance will pay for it. James also need to do a little job for Reed and Janis Willis.

I am listening to a new audio book on my phone. It's called Squint. The title reminds me that is what Trina and Darrel sometimes call Rowan. The main character is a middle school boy with an eye disease who has to wear big, thick glasses and everyone calls him Squint.

I texted Rita and got Aunt Gene's phone number and made an appointment to go see her on Thursday, which is her birthday. 

James visited his mom today. Both Aunt Gene and Lois are 91.

 Scarlett takes a selfie

 Abby turn 8 and will be baptized on Saturday.

When she was 6 the Primary president asked the Primary children

what is meant to be reverent. I will never forget Abby's answer. She said: "It means to be quiet and respectful."

Hallmark movies starring Jack Turner and Taylor Cole.

Happy girl!

Monday, May 7th, 2018

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:16-25:14

*How can we lift our voices to praise God?

- amberadamson: "I think there are many ways to praise God...prayer, song, speaking kind words to others, etc. I think we can also do it by what we don't say... not complaining, not judging others, etc. The most important thing is to recognize and remember...recognize all that we have been blessed with and remember that everything we have is a gift from God, then we naturally praise Him in our thoughts, words, and actions."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 18-20

18 Jonathan loves David - Saul sets David over his armies - David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous - David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.

19 Saul seeks to kill David - Michal saves David by artifice - David joins Samuel and the company of prophets.

20 David and Jonathan make a covenant of friendship and peace - They take leave of each other.

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

" Even though he had previously hardened his heart, Amulek obeyed the voice of an angel, received the prophet Alma in his home, and provided nourishment to him. He was spiritually awakened during Alma's visit and was called to preach the gospel. Amulek then forsook 'all his gold, and silver, and his precious things...for the word of God, and was rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred.'"

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"Personal sacrifice strengthens us and gives value to the things we sacrifice for."

James left for the valley after family prayer at 4:10 a.m. I love this guy so much. He sacrifices so much for me.

 Here he is making a stone-throwing sling for

my Primary class. This was last year.

"To obey is better than sacrifice" says Samuel to Saul. 1 Sam. 15:22

I like this statement from the Old Testament Student Manual:

Many young people of today are great joiners. They attach themselves to this or that organization or group because they wish to make the world a better place. They need a purpose for living, a reason to be - they need a cause.

That cause should be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love these words by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47:

45 Then said david to the Phillistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.

I watched the Church young adult fireside given by Elder and Sister Kearon last night,  Elder Kearon:

"There is power in gathering. Am I focused on the wrong things?

Do I focus on my self or on serving others?

President Nelson is laying out a higher and holier way of serving."

Russell M. Nelson 10/02, #40 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers

"Peace is a prime priority that pleads for our pursuit."

I somehow missed this talk by President Nelson so went back and listened to it today. I am glad I did because in this talk he talks about and honors President Hinckley.

Russell M. Nelson 10/97, #30 - Spiritual Capacity

"We need an example - someone to show us how spiritual capacity can be developed. I have selected as a model ... President Gordon B. Hinckley."

Dale G. Renlund,Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 6, Oaths and Covenants.

My project for the day was to work on stripping the polish off the wood floor in the family room. I applied too much remover and it was difficult to work with. Next time I need to do a smaller application. I did not get as much done as I had wanted to. I am finding that is the case with much that I do at the tender age of 69 3/4's. 

I may have had the television on while I was working, and I may have said, "If Mountie Jack is really dead on 'When Calls the Heart,' I'm through watching." We shall see.

At 7p.m. this evening James was still at work on the golf course. He is staying at Kim and Brian's tonight.

Stacy gave me a call today about the anniversary party concerns she has. She thought swimming at the condo and then going to the church for the program might be too much. I told her to have the kids bring their pillows and blankets to the church and they could lie on the floor. She liked that idea.

My friend Pam had this to say about her husband Ricky's surgery today:

"Surgery went good. Home, resting.

So unprofessional. I filed a Quantros while

he was still in pre op. Not happy about the experience.

My mind is blown.

Official complaint.

He was taken back by a person who never greeted him or asked 

his name. She walked way ahead of him. gave him product to 

clean himself, rattling off orders. 

Coughs in her hand and then opens sterile materials. 

Then a doctor at the deak says; 'We need more guinea

pigs to practice on, so they won't need to go to Flagstaff.'

Which sent his blood pressure 160/100. He was so upset.

The OR director came to talk with me. Then when he got back to recovery the first thing he told me was, a nurse dropped her glove, picked it up and put it on. I wanted to puke!"

These are the very reasons people go to Flagstaff or the valley when they need surgery or medical attention.

Happy 21st Birthday Autumn!

I need to make sure I look at my birthday calendar

at the beginning of each month. I moved it

from my bedroom to the main calendar in

the kitchen. Autumn, I am sorry that your

card and gift will be a little late. I hope you

had a wonderful day!

I went out and fed and watered the bunnies today. I think

they prefer nibbling on the patch of green grass in the back.

I mean I like cabbage, but really?

I must keep a visual record that my roses

actually bloomed!

Dunalastair Castle

I wonder if the Maxwell clan had a castle.

Aunt Gene said when she was in Scotland a lady

in the court records office told her the 

Maxwell's all fought and killed each other.

That is sad and if that's true, how did we get here? 

Those are not happy faces!

I like to end on a positive note.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Jacob 5:1-14

The first visit of the Master (Savior), to His vineyard (the world). The Master sees the old tame olive tree (covenant Israel) is dying or going into apostasy. (vs. 3). Israel is to be scattered. (vs. 14.)

What is the wild olive tree which is grafted in? (The Gentiles - see Acts 10.)

Alma 44

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed - Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes - Moroni's armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74-73 B.C.

DC 45:1-11

1-5, Christ is our advocate with the Father; 6-10, The gospel is a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord; 

Why can darkness not comprehend light?

* Because darkness is the absence of light.  As soon as light appears, darkness is gone.

General Conference

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy

Elder Peter F. Meurs

Elder David A. Bednar taught:

''The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually.  The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins.  But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us.  And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins."

James tried flying his drone today and ended up crashing it into the house.  He was quite frustrated and said he could only fly it about 100 feet when it is supposed to go a mile.  He spoke to David and David told him he had it in beginners mode.

The guy in control.  Or is he?

Here it comes!

James is leaving for the valley today.  When he got ready to leave I followed him in to town and we had lunch at Licano's.  James ordered a turkey and avocado sandwich that was heavy on the turkey with very little avocado.  He didn't eat much so I gave him my taco.  I had a chicken enchilada and some refried beans and rice.  I couldn't even eat all of it.  I was going to take the taco home but I donated it to a worthy cause.  

A group of old guys came in the restaurant while we were eating and I made the comment: "It looks like the motorcycle gang is here."  When we went outside we saw this:

I was right!

After lunch and saying goodbye to James I went to Walmart to pick up my folic acid and then went home.  

The first thing I did when I got home was watch the premier of Dancing with the Stars.  I am happy for Emma and Sasha.  Emma's partner is Rashad Jennings, an NFL player who is really good.  Sasha has Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast ever.  Sasha and Simone got the most points, 32, and Emma and Rashad got 31.  I am not sure why I am watching Charo, Mr. T, and Chris Kattan try to dance.

When James is gone I have a tendency to keep the TV on for company.  It isn't a complete waste of time because I work on my blog as I am watching television.  I watched the new Aurora Teagarten mystery and I also watched "Birthday Wishes" and "I Married Who"?  I have seen both of these last movies before.

I miss James.

Fun Photos:

   Monument Valley

 Addy's Harry Potter bobble head.

May 2016

Awesome pictures of Molly!

My Mother's Day dinner

May 2016

Dennis's birthday lunch minus Vickie who

was sick.  May 2016

Elder Rosenbaum (L) and

Elder Goodenough (R)

Kayla and Addy's Dance Recital 

May 2016