Thursday, April 4th, 2019

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 20:21

Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 1:15-2:8

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:28-36 BD: Transfiguration

General Conference

Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Wherever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

We sold another of our proper romance novels, "Seeking Persephone." We have two more books pending sale - "Friends and Foe", and "Founding Brothers."

We left for the valley a little before 9 this morning. We stopped in Show Low and picked up the wheel and tire James took to Cat and took it to Robert's Tire to be fixed and we will pick it up tomorrow on our way home from the valley.

We made on stop in Globe on our way. The first thing we wanted to do was cash the check James got for a book he returned. We stopped at the Chase bank on Pecos and Arizona Avenue. James went in and came out to announce that this wasn't a full bank anymore. They would not cash his check. He had to deposit it and then get cash out.

We met Sheri, Kim, and Stacy at the Cafe Rio on Chandler Blvd. 

James and I both got chicken quesadillas. Stacy ate half of mine and then she got an individual key lime pie which we shared. Sheri got the chicken toastada and Kim did not eat. The purpose of the lunch was to plan the time, place, and menu for our Easter potluck. We determined to have it at Sheri's at noon on Saturday. Sunday won't work because Sheri and Ian go to Ian's parents on Sunday. Monte is having surgery on the 19th in the Chandler hospital and we are going to invite his family over for dinner so that's why we are having it at Sheri's instead of Darrel and Trina's. 

After lunch James and I went to Terry and Cathi's to visit his mom. Rebecca was also there and she and Cathi were doing some painting. Lois seemed to be in a good mood and we had a nice visit. She is very happy at Cathi and Terry's. She will go home on the weekend when Dawn is home. 

James is doing a little repair job for our friends Reed and Janis. We stopped by to visit them. James served with Reed in a bishopric and I served with Janis in a Relief Society presidencies. We love them and are so grateful for their example and friendship. James is coming back next week to begin work on the roof on their patio.

When we finally got to Darrel and Trina's, Darrel was gone to pick up Ruby at dance. Trina was at work, Rowan was outside with friends and Lola was watching "My Little Ponies" on the TV. 

We unloaded our stuff into our new room and new bed. We are sleeping in Trina's craft room. After unloading we got in the car and drove to Jersey Mike's for dinner.

James took the car to Erik's to have him look at it. The check engine light has been on for a long time but recently it has started blinking and the car is idling very rough. 

Erik determined there was something wrong with the coils. He and James thought maybe there were some wires chewed in two by mice. James came home and will check it out in the morning before going back to see Erik.

I played Rummicub with Addy and Ruby. Addy won.  When James returned we went for a walk around the green belt in front of Darrel and Trina's before going to bed. 

Getting in to bed was a little difficult because the bed is so high but it was worth it because it was very comfy. There is no fan in the room yet so I opened both windows. Poor James, he got cold during the night but never closed a window. I finally got up and closed one of them.

Nothing like a good nap.

 James showing his baby bunnies to Rebecca

and Cathi.

Scarlett trying out the dryer.

Two of my favorite Hallmarkies.

 Darrel and Trina's new home.

Ollie after his summer haircut.

 If I took the time to make these I would

never allow anyone to eat them. I would

frame them and hang them on the wall.

Friday, October 26th, 2018

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

1 Samuel 17:12

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 13:1-15

*Why is it so important to forgive our fellowman?

- "Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking - even a change of heart. But there is good news. This "mighty change" of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God. When our hearts are filled with the love of God, something good and pure happens to us. The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions - the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts - the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade. As always, Christ is our exemplar. In His teachings as in His life, He showed us the way. He forgave the wicked, the vulgar, and those who sought to hurt and to do Him harm. Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the century and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become "kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God for Christ's sake forgave ue. The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other."

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 1-2

Old Testament

Lamentations 1-3

General Conference

Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ

Elder Robert C. Gay

"May we faithfully take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ - by seeing as He sees, by serving as He served, and by trusting that His grace is sufficient."

I decided this morning while I was reading from the Book of Mormon that I should order Plan of Salvation bookmarks for all of the family. I just need to remember to take mine to the printers for copies.

James went out hunting this morning.

"Some young people are amusing themselves to death, spiritual death." - President Miles of the White Mountain, Arizona stake.

I have a lot of pain in my right hip today, making it difficult to walk. 

Jared is struggling today too. He thought he might have pneumonia but the doctor just thinks it is inflammation. Anyway he is pretty miserable and I am sorry he has to deal with this disease on top of everything else in his life.

I put a roast on this morning for dinner, made cookies for a funeral tomorrow, and started rolls for the temple potluck. Moving around was slow and painful but I did it. 

We are scheduled to feed the missionaries this evening but James says he won't be here. I left them a message to call me. Around 4 pm I still hadn't heard from them so I told them I would meet them at Stanford and by them dinner. They texted back at 4:30 saying they couldn't make it and would have to cancel. I must say it was a little bit of a relief since I was not feeling well.

James came home for lunch. He had to fix his own because I was feeling so miserable. After lunch he went outside to target practice before going out again to hunt for deer. One thing he has going for him is the gorgeous weather!

I worked on Textbook Money and found no profitable books. That's probably because this is not the season to buy textbooks. 

I struggled to get all of my steps today.

James was home after dark.

So sad.

 The girl likes to point!

Feeling better.

Scarlett is so cute!

Love this idea!

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:1-22

How can we choose to possess our lands unto the Lord?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 27:16-18

16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Each of us is precious and loved by the Lord, who cares, who whispers, and who watches over us in ways unique to each of us. He is infinitely wiser and more powerful than mortal men and women. He knows our challenges, our triumphs, and the righteous desires of our hearts."

Stinkin' tree lights!  We had to go back to town again today to get more lights for the tree. James comes too. He heads for Home Deport and Firehouse Subs while I go to Walmart. I mail Michael's birthday card and $20 to Kim to buy a little boy some Hotwheel cars for Christmas. 

James found some lights and when we get back home he went outside to work. I don't think this was a good idea because he had a big coughing spell right at bed time. 

While I am watching the movie, "Christmas Princess," a true story about a girl who becomes one of the princesses in the Rose Bowl Parade, he puts the new lights on the tree.  Now I can decorate it tomorrow.  

We found out today that our temple substitutes for last Saturday, Ruth and Mel Wilhelm did not make it to the temple because their car broke down in Taylor.

I missed the ward Relief Society party this evening. I didn't really feel like going. I still have the blahs.

Today's movies: "A Golden Christmas," "Falling for Christmas," and of course "Christmas Princess" which I already mentioned.

I put this message on Facebook regarding this years Christmas presents: This year for Christmas each of you will receive a blanket from us. Dad/Grandpa even went Christmas shopping with me this year. To me a blanket symbolizes our love for each of you. It evokes images of sitting in front of a fire wrapped in a warm blanket and reading a good book or watching a Christmas movies with someone you love. As you are wrapped in the warmth of your blanket, think of Dad and I and the love we feel for each one of you. Think of the Savior and being wrapped in the arms of His love. We love you all so very much and wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Instead of buying gifts for us, do a service or something kind for someone else!

I didn't tell them that blankets were all I could afford because dad spent all of our Christmas money on our new patio and fire pit.

If James would let me get a dog, I would get

one that looks something like this.

Nice castle and moon.

Max, enjoying Cross Country.

Case's at the North Pole

The Whalen family