Saturday, December 21st, 2019

St. Paul, Minnesota

69th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Psalms 96:13

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Book of Mormon

Ether 14:8-31

New Testament

John 8:12, 12:46; Philippians 2:12-15

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel"

Cristina B. Franco

"Susana has become one of the greatest missionaries I have ever met. She is like the sons of Mosiah, bringing many souls to Christ. In one of our conversations, I asked her, 'What is your secret? How do you share the gospel with others?' She told me, 'It is very simple. Every day before I leave my house, I pray, asking Heavenly Father to direct me to someone who needs the gospel in their life. I sometimes take a Book of Mormon to share with them or pass-along cards from the missionaries - and when I start talking to someone, I simply ask them if they have heard about the Church.'"

"Your Great Adventure"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"You need to choose to incline your heart to God. Strive each day to find Him. Learn to love Him. And then let that love inspire you to learn, understand, and follow His teachings and learn to keep God's commandments. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is given to us in a plain and simple way that a child can understand. Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to the most complex questions in life and has such profound depth and complexity that even with a lifetime of study and pondering, we can scarcely comprehend even the smallest part."

I was up at 4:30 to study and pray and have scriptures and prayer with James when he got up. As he was packing his suitcase for our trip to the valley, he ironed his shirts that needed ironing. Bless his heart. I got some boxes and set them on the kitchen counter and started loading things to eat from the kitchen. 

I had about 15 gifts to wrap. I wrapped two and realized I was never going to be able to wrap all of them in time. I will need to finish when I get to Darrel and Trina's. James wants to leave around noon. 

I packed my books in my purple suitcase and my clothes in my small black suitcase. I pack my computer, two boxes of food and paper goods, a bag for the Aunt Dimity books and my phone chargers to have with me in the front seat. I iron three blouses and put them on hangers. Most of my clothes are on hangers and so are James's. I pack my red stock pot because I am going to make minestrone soup for our family party tomorrow night. I have my makeup and toiletries bag, 4 garbage bags full of blankets, a few wrapped packages, and wrapping paper, etc. James has one suitcase and some clothes and his briefcase. We left around 12:15 and stopped in Show Low to get gas and to wash the car. We went the Payson way per my request. We stopped at the Culver's in Payson for lunch. I had a burger and James had a Reuben sandwich. 

When we got to the valley we drove to the Chacon job to see if Armondo had finished the landscaping. He had not. Yesterday James spoke with Paul about Armondo's wife. Paul is still their ministering brother. He said he would make sure that Susan had a blessing. She is still in the hospital. 

When we got to Darrel and Trina's Addy and Rowan were the only ones at home. They helped us carry in all of our stuff. It barely fit in our room. Darrel is at work and Trina is gone to Ruby and Lola's dance recital. I wished we would have known, we could have planned on being here earlier. 

Addy left to go babysit and after James rested he and I went shopping at Fry's for the ingredients for minestrone soup. I am also supposed to bring paper goods and flatware to the party tomorrow. It's a good thing I had some flatware at home because they had none at Fry's. 

When we get home Rowan, Nick - Rowan's friend, Lola and Ruby were at home. Trina had gone to pick up Darrel at work. They didn't get home until after 10. I guess big Bertha is in the shop.

I colored with Lola until she got tired and fell asleep on the couch ottoman. She said her tummy was hurting. 

Armondo's and Susan's baby

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!

Wednesday, March 13th, 2019

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 36:17

And it came to pass that  as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31:1-21

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 11; Luke 7:19-35

"Walk With Me" Henry B. Eyring, 4/2017

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

"The surprising truth is that our weaknesses can be a blessing when they humble us and turn us to Christ. Discontent becomes divine when we hubly approach Jesus Christ with our want, rather than hold back in self-pity."

We woke up to a blizzard this morning, and it just kept snowing. I did one blog post this morning before breakfast. I wasn't feeling well so I took some Tramadol and sat down on my recliner to watch "When Calls the Heart" until my Tramadol kicks in. Little did I know at the time this would be the last episode with Lori Loughlin. I did not know the extent of the crime she had committed and how Hallmark would react so quickly by severing ties with her. She is my favorite character on the show as the mayor of Hope Valley. She is a strong woman and a good role model. She and Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) have an incredible friendship bond and have been a main part of the show from the beginning. Lori's character, Abigail Stanton, always believes in giving people second chances and is forgiving and kind. So sad to see her go. One of the best characters on TV right now. Lori Loughlin in this part, exudes wholesomeness, especially on "When Calls the Heart".

What Lori and her husband did was wrong and dishonest. She should have to pay for what she did, but I wish Hallmark would allow her to finish out the season and go from there. That is what most of the "Heartie" fans want.

 In this interview Lori says the greatest thing about

"When Calls the Heart" is her friendship with Erin Krakow.

Abigail and Elizabeth

I am sure going to miss the strongest female character

on the show and a great role model, Abigail Stanton.

James says we need to leave for the valley before our planned time of 2 pm because of the snow. I fixed biscuits, breadsticks, bacon, chicken, and pizza rolls for lunch. I figured I wanted to get rid of more food and I was fixing at one thing everyone would like.

 James did the dishes afterwards while I took a shower to expedite things. We got ready to leave around 12:30.

James went out to the well house to turn off the pump and dropped his phone in the snow so we had to turn around and go back so he could get it. We almost got stuck on our own road.

I talked James into going the Payson way and I am so glad we did. The trees between Heber and Payson were beautiful. They got quite a bit more snow than we did. 

Our first stop in the valley was Max and Evan's house. Sheri was still at work but Ollie was there. This is the first time I've ever been in Sheri's that he didn't go on a barking rampage. I guess it was because of Evan and Max. 

Rowan, James and I went to Joshua's to drop him off and say goodbye. Of course his dogs were so happy to see him. Sophie did most of the barking. Stacy gave me a slice of her homemade vanilla bean cake. It was delicious!

Next stop was Bill Valentic's yard on south Arizona Avenue where James picked up his truck then it was back to Sheri's to trade her van for our car. Sheri was upset the back door on the driver's side would not close. I thought it was that way when we got it but apparently not. She immediately took it to Erik who was able to close it but will have to order a new part. I told her we would be happy to help pay for it but she said no, the van was 11 years old and it was bound to happen.

We finally got Rowan home. Trina was at work but Darrel and the girls were happy to see him, and us as well. 

James and I went to Fry's to get a case of water. We wanted to buy more, but funds are low so we didn't. James got gas while I started to walk back to Darrel's. He picked me up on Signal Butte in front of the huge Legacy Charter School. 

Addy, Rowan, Ruby and I played Harry Potter Clue. I won by process of elimination. James and I went for a walk. 

 Feeling a little better today.

Saturday, December 22nd, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 18:2

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:1-17

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 1-2

Old Testament

Malachi 3-4

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen
"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, 'Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."

We delivered banana bread to the Woods's and the Grapp's this morning. We left Anthony's bread at the Grapp's because James doesn't want to take our car out to his place and the truck is in the valley. 

The Grapp's gave us homemade Reese's and they were delicious. I told James we should save them for the family party tonight, but they didn't stand a chance because we both loved them.

When we got home I finished wrapping James's gifts. I put the little gifts for Darrel's kids in some stockings I had. 

I brought wood in because it's going to snow, and I made some chili for tonight, We are taking it down already made in the crockpot. We also took down six bags of frozen venison, canned milk, and bisquick for Christmas morning. 

Our goal was to leave by noon but by the time we got everything done, I did some cleaning and packed the car, it was 3 pm. We had to stop in Show Low at Sister Dye's grandson's house. She is staying there recovering from her stroke so that's where we delivered her banana nut bread. They had a macaw on the front porch.

He must have his wings clipped.

We leave, going the Globe way. I haven't driven more than 10 minutes when I start falling asleep. I asked James if he would drive until Globe and then I would take over again. He did, and I got a short nap.

At Globe we stopped at Walmart because I wanted to get an ugly sweater. They didn't have a very good selection but I found a black one with Santa and Ho, Ho, Ho on the front. Sorry that I didn't get a good picture. I also bought some paper bowls for the chili, Belvita crackers, and some Slimfast for James. James came in and ordered himself some wings. I walked across the parking lot to Taco Bell and got a couple of tacos. It's hard to eat tacos while you are driving, but I managed.

I can barely keep up.

We made it to Sheri's before the party started at 7 p.m. Thanks to Max agreeing to bunk with Evan, we are staying in Ben's old room. The first thing Sheri did was take a picture of me with my Sheri holding Ollie with his Christmas sweater.

An old woman and her granddog

We had Chik-fil-a, chili, Panera cookies, and a yummy popcorn mixture. After snacking, we sat down for some entertainment. We asked each family to participate. Michael played the ukelele and sang "Silent Night" with Joshua. Stacy was sick and didn't come. I am sorry she missed them because they were really good.

These two really harmonize together

Kim and Brian were next. Brian told the story, "For the Man Who Hated Christmas." Kim passed out copies of the story for everyone and then an envelope for each family. Inside our envelope there was a note that said that they had provided items for refugees in Arizona. Sheri's said they had donated to the juvenile diabetes fund and the missionary fund. I'm not sure what Darrel's or Paul's said, but Paul was crying. These simple acts of service are how Kim and Brian celebrated Christmas. They truly brought the Spirit to our party tonight. Thank you!

 Taking a video of Michael and Joshua

 Kim wanted the lambie socks I brought

I showed which gift Paul bought so Rowan

wouldn't pick it. He knows that Paul got the

Taylor Lautner poster.

Ian picked Paul's gift and got the

Taylor Lautner poster to take home

for a year.

 I wanted to get this shirt for James

 Sweet little gingerbread girl!

 All the gifts I had to pack in the car.

 Cute little Scarlett

 Grandpa, Ruby, and Addy

Joshua entered the ugly sweater contest.

He borrowed this one from Kim.