Saturday, May 30th, 2020

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 4 with James, Sunday Journal, Study Guide; "Scripture Study Project" podcast

Inklings

"Restoration Proclamation" first four paragraphs

Restoration

Chapter 18 "The Missions of the Twelve"

April General Conference

"Go Forward in Faith"

President Russell M. Nelson

"Thank you for your desire to make your homes true sanctuaries of faith, where the Spirit of the Lord may dwell. Our gospel study curriculum, Come, Follow Me, will continue to bless your lives. Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world. We will be strengthened as we become even more valiant disciples of the Lord, standing up and speaking up for Him, wherever we are."

"We Follow Jesus Christ"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

April 2010

James and the elder's quorum had a service project this morning. At first James said it was to help someone move but they were soon to find out that he only needed help getting rid of some of his "treasures." this brother couldn't bare to part with old hot water heaters, washers and dryers, so he had them hide them behind the copse of trees on his property. 

James was home before ten, went immediately out again to help Chuck and Owen put a culvert under our road in one of the low spots. 

This afternoon James took Luna over to her new home for the next week. She will be on the Elkins fenced in 100 acres with her own pond to drink from. Yes, she has overcome her fear of the big rocks around the pond. 

I made a Texas sheetcake for tomorrow's "Come Follow Me" meeting and mopped and polished the dining room and kitchen floor. 

I ran off copies of the "Come Follow Me" activites on the Redheaded Hostess website for the Grapp's. We will deliver them tomorrow on our way out of town. 

Brian texted everyone in our family study group today regarding the topic of study for the coming week. The topic is happiness, especially in times of adversity. Here are the talks we are to study:

1.) "Joy and Spiritual Survival " by Russell M. Nelson, October 2016

2.) "Choose Happiness" by Elder Larry R. Laurence, Mar 2016

3.) "Finding Joy in Life", Richard G. Scott, April 1996

4.) "The Search for Happiness" by W.E. Hansen, October 1993

After dinner James and I watched our episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" before going to bed.

More photos

 from The Jug

Sheraton Desert Oasis

 James found a deer antler when he was 

out and about the other day on Luna

 Sweet Scarlett

Monday, March 9th, 2020

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Judge

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 1; I/F Lesson; Discussion Group watched "Teaching with Power"

Ensign March 2020

"Extraordinary Daughters of God"

Sister Jean B. Bingham

RS General President

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 39

In the Hands of God

Oct 2019 GenCon

"Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes" 

President Russell M. Nelson

"The First Presidency and the Twelve are united in endorsing these efforts to strengthen our youth. Oh, how we love them and pray for them! They are the 'hope of Israel, Zion's army, children of the promised day.' We express our complete confidence in our youth and our gratitude for them. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

"Adjustments to Strengthen Youth"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Dear brothers and sisters, I promise and testify that these comprehensive adjustments, under the direction of an inspired president and prophet, Russell M. Nelson, will empower and strengthen every member of the Church. Our youth will develop greater faith in the Savior, be protected from the temptations of the adversary, and stand prepared to meet life's challenges. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We, as a presidency, are praying to know who the Lord wants to replace Becky Skousen as a teacher in Relief Society. We are considering four different sisters but need to pray about it to see who the Lord wants.

I got up at 3:30 this morning. I had too many nightly "visitors" and couldn't sleep. I had 6,000 steps by 7 am. My goal is 10,000 by noon and I think I might make it.

James had a diesel mechanic and his assistant come out to look at 

his two Cats. He wants to take them down to the Chacon job. They stayed for several hours, didn't fix anything, but recommended a fuel pump for the smaller Cat and a new celanoid for the larger Cat. Ken Nutter, the mechanic, charged James $720.00. 

Armando was supposed to start digging footings at the Chacon job but he said he was going to postpone because it is forecast to rain all week. James was so disappointed. 

I blogged and worked on my book business this morning. I also cleaned the kitchen and did some laundry. I continued with my steps and this afternoon I made a shortbread cake for our meeting tonight. I cut it in two and made two layers of Coolwhip frosting and strawberries. I should have taken a picture. This is the only picture I got. 

It fell apart when I cut it but it was

very tasty!

Our guests this evening loved it too, especially Barbara and Pierce. Instead of doing this lesson in the manual this evening we watched "Teaching with Power." We talked a little about polygamy and Owen told a story about one of his grandmothers who was a second wife and lived in Ramah. She grew a garden and raised animals so she had plenty of food. Her husband came, loaded it up, and took it to his first wife's home. That's when she decided that plural marriage was not for her and she left on foot headed back to Arizona.

James did so many things for me today. He went to the store, and the post office to pick up books. He also cleaned the mud off the front porch and sprayed off all of the driveway. When our meeting was over this evening and our guests had left he washed the dishes.

I am so grateful for such a kind and thoughtful husband.

I was shocked when I went on Amazon today and noticed that my rating had gone down to 71%. When I researched why it was because someone who ordered a book from me had received the wrong book and complained about it. I don't blame her for complaining but I had to dispute it because it wasn't my fault. The first time I wrote a dispute to Amazon they didn't accept it. I think robots run their business. The second time I used the exact words on their webiste that it gives for reasons to have a feedback rating removed: The entire feedback comment is regarding fulfillment or customer service for an order fulfilled by Amazon. 

They removed the feedback and my rating went back up to 83%. 

That rating is not that great but again a feedback regarding a book not having a dust cover. I could not ever find this order and disputed it but it was not removed. 

It has been 2 weeks since Jared Ammon told me he spoke with Discover Student Loans. I called to see if they had sent my check and "no they hadn't." When I asked why, they couldn't give me a good answer. The girl I spoke to started asking me questions and I said: "It's interesting to me how you treat the co-signers on a loan. You contact them to pay if the signer doesn't pay, which I have done from almost the very start, but when it comes to giving a refund they are not allowed to receive one, even thought they have made all of the payments." She apologized and said she would send out the refund right away and then asked me for Jared's address, which she already had, "just to verify." Grrrrr!

Harry Potter trip to England 2005

 Can you find Ardeth Kapp and Sharon Larsen?

 I should really cut myself out of this one.

I look like Karen's short boyfriend.

 Loved the English countryside and all the castles.

Cutest little shopper I've ever seen.

Braylin doesn't let being handicapped stop
him from having fun. He has a great
attitude!

 Our friends the Woods'

Thank goodness Saturday is Pi Day

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:1-21

What experiences have I had that confirm that God is still a God of miracles?

One of the greatest miracles I have seen is the transformation of peoples lives as they accept and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was privileged to be a ward missionary when both Laura and Cathi accepted the gospel. There is no greater joy in this life than to see someone accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and to align their lives in accordance with His teachings. It is truly a miracle. One of the reasons I love the Book of Mormon is because it teaches so clearly the steps we must take to return to the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Jesus Christ and His Atonement are our greatest miracles. I am thankful for my mom and Nannie who accepted the gospel. I am thankful for Laura, Cathi, Brian, and Ian in our family today for accepting the gospel. The Plan of Salvation is a miracle which brings families together for eternity.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 18:10

Be thou humble and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers.

General Conference

Love One Another as He has Loved Us

Elder Jose L. Alonso

"Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God's love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Love for God and fellowman is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ."

Matt Lauer was fired this morning from The Today Show after

20 years.

This is what Matt's cohost said about his firing: "How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly?"

I found this quote today while reading from "Rescuing Wayward Children." "Our children have no immediate comprehension that they have descended into a fallen world. Unless they are taught differently and gain a testimony of their real identity and heritage, they will grow up believing that this mortal life is all there is, and worse, that this life is normal." 

I found this memory with Molly when she was three. She just fixed my hair and said: "Now your hair is pretty grandma, but you're not." Little children tell it like it is.

James went to help Brother Butler to move this morning. He is going to be running the self-storage unit for another brother in our ward. He moved from a 5th wheel to a nice double wide mobile home. James was only gone for an hour. This evening he went to a ward woodcutting project with the young men at the Hunsaker's. Here are a couple of photos:

I got a text from a sister I use to visit teach, Claire. It was so nice to hear from her. She is spending Christmas with her daughter Marlie who was in my Primary class. 

James and I watched one of the best Christmas movies yet. It's a new one, "A Joyous Christmas." 

Natalie and Kaeli left me a surprise on my porch this evening...a snowman to hang on the tree and a bottle of pears. Kaeli said Natalie wanted to do something nice for me. Kaeli is my visiting teacher and Natalie is her 4 year old daughter.

The first ornament on our tree

They look yummy

Winter Hoose is six months old

Talon and Curtis 

This is a classic!

Curtis is going to be 10 in a couple of days.

He is Curious George in this photo.