Monday, June 1st, 2020

Halifax, Nova Scotia
64th operating temple
Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

John 19:3

And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 5:1-14; "The Scripture Study Project" podcast

Inklings

Restoration Proclamation paragraphs 1-4

Nourish the Body - DC 89:10 - "...all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man"

April General Conference

"Opening Remarks"

President Russell M. Nelson

"This year, we commemorate the 200th anniversary of one of the most significant events in the history of the world - namely, the appearance of God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith. During that singular vision, God the Father pointed to Jesus Christ and said: "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

"We Can Do Better and Be Better"

President Russell M. Nelson

April 2019

James had to leave early to check on his job in Mesa. I got up early to work on my job. He was back before nine as he promised. Today is our 52nd wedding anniversary and so we would like to spend it together.

James asked if I wanted to go to IHOP. I didn't because I knew we were going to go to Cheesecake Factory later. Instead he went to Fry's and got some food for breakfast. He came home and made me sausage, scrambled eggs and toast. It was great. 

I have sold several more books. I also bought three books today. The thing that I feared would happen this week while I am gone from home has happened. I sold a book Merchant Fulfilled. The book I sold is at home. It is an older book and is ranked very highly, which means it does not sell very often so I doubt I can find it in a bookstore. I will try though. 

Molly is staying at Jared's for a couple of weeks. She wanted to tell me she was watching Heartland. It's not a show I would think she would be interested in, it's not really a kids show, but I guess she probably loves the horses. She wanted to FaceTime with me so after my shower we FaceTimed. I told her about Luna's latest doings and we had a nice visit. James was taking a nap so he didn't get to visit with her.

I forgot to bring any socks except the ones I was wearing so after talking with Molly James and I drove to the nearest Walmart to do a little shopping.  

All Walmarts are not created equal. This one was very nice compared to the one in Show Low where we normally shop. I found some socks, a couple of tops, and various other items. James says I love to shop. Sometimes I do. Grocery shopping is not my favorite so I sent James over to get some groceries. He got some ice cream so we had to go back to the resort and put groceries away before going to Tempe to visit with his mom and Dawn. 

Lois had low blood pressure and has been having dizzy spells. When she got up she Dawn immediately took her walker over to her. She is stooped over and frail and looks her age now. She no longer colors her hair and it is totally white. 

On our way to Tempe we got off on Rural Rd. and drove passed ASU. I commented to James how I hardly recognized it any more because there were so many new buildings and still more buildings were being built. I mentioned this to Dawn and she said that students now must live on campus and that accounts for some of the  buildings. I have never heard of such a thing and was a little surprised by this fact. Dawn said that studies show that students do better in school while living on campus. It seems to me like another freedom being taken away. 

Lois did some reminiscing and told of going to grade school at Crescent School in Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. She said it was a large building divided into two rooms. One room was for grades 1-3 and the other was for grades 4-6. She said there was a large fire burning stove in the middle of the room. Kids would bring a potato, or carrots, or onions with them to school and they would put them in a large pot of boiling water and added some canned beef and that was what they had for lunch. It sounds like a story I used to read to my kids when I taught school and the kids brought vegetables to school and they made a Mulligan stew. 

I asked if they had toronadoes where she lived and she said, "Oh yes." She remembered her family going into the underground root cellar when there was a tornado warning. They stored food and clothes in this cellar in case of emergencies. It was fun listening to her reminisce.

When we came in I did not notice that the piano was gone.  I guess Dawn has a friend who is a concert pianist but lacked a piano when she moved here so Lois gave her piano away. Now they have no place to put the mantle clock that was on the piano. I guess we bought it for her years ago and so now they are returning it to us. It is a very nice clock and it will go on our piano when we get home.

We left Tempe before five so James had time to go to the UPS store to mail back the part that was sent to him for the truck which was not the part he ordered. There was a line at the store so I waited in the car for over 15 minutes. We were parked in the shade but I still needed to keep the motor running because it was over 100 degrees outside. One more stop before we go to dinner. Erik's backyard. James brought down the cracked engine block to the Razr to send in to the company we ordered the new engine from. They said it would save us $800 on the new engine. The only problem is they sent a list of parts they wanted and James doesn't know what half of them are so that's the reason we are asking for Erik's help. I was watching an episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" on my phone in the car. Erik asked James if he had 15 minutes. James said no, it was our anniversary and we had plans. Erik's comment was: "Oh Karen's okay, she's watching a movie." It's a good thing I like him so well or I might be offended. Another 20 minutes in the car.

Finally we were on our way to The Cheesecake Factory at the Chandler mall. The mall is closed because of the possibility of a riot. Police cars everywhere and glass doors boarded up with plywood. So sad. Thank goodness The Cheesecake Factory was open. 

I ordered a filet, medium with mashed potatoes and green beans and James ordered their most popular dish, chicken Madeira. We first had sourdough and molasses bread which was quite delicious.

The steak was juicy and tender and the chicken

was delicious. I can see why it is the most

popular dish here.

After dinner we went back to our timeshare. Once again we were on the freeway at 8 p.m., the curfew time. 

I realized I had only 4,000 steps so I began walking in my "circle." I start in the dining room - living room and got through the bedroom and bathroom and circle back. I walked until I got 10,000 steps and then stopped. James and I watched "Lark Rise to Candleford" on my phone before going to bed.

Charlie got her Olaf!

Sunday, December 23rd, 2018

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-13 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 21:9

Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:18-34

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 3-6

Old Testament 

Finished!

General Conference

The Correct Nme of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Consider this from His perspective. Premortally, He was Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Under the direction of His Father, He was the Creator of this and other worlds. He chose to submit to the will of His Father and do something for all of God's children that no one else could do! Condescending to come to earth as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, He was brutally reviled, mocked, spit upon, and scourged. In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior took upon Himself every pain, every sin, and all of the anguish and suffering ever experienced by you and me and by everyone who has ever lived or will ever live. Under the weight of that excruciating burden, He bled from every pore. All of this suffering was intensified as He was cruelly crucified on Calvary's cross.

Through these excruciating experiences and His subsequent Resurrection - His infinite Atonement - He granted immortality to all and ransomed each one of us from the effects of sin on condition of our repentance."

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting this morning at 9 a.m. and the Highland Ridge sacrament meeting at 11 a.m. Addy was speaking at the 11 o'clock meeting and we did not want to miss it.

Max and Evan both passed the sacrament in the 9 o'clock meeting. We sat by Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura. It felt like home. 

"Once in David's Royal City"

Mike Ellsworth was the first speaker. He told a childhood memory from the life of President Monson regarding a neighbor that his family helped, old Bob. President Monson's uncle gave him a house and President Monson's mother had him take old Bob dinner every Sunday. All of the Ellsworth family was here, Dane, Audrey and her husband and baby, and Marissa and her husband and baby, and Adrianne. The only one missing was Grady who is serving a mission in Ecuador.

The choir sang: "Silent Night"

Clint Allen, the other counselor in the bishopric was the next speaker. He started out by quoting Moroni 10:26 - "And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not."
He then proceeded to talk on how to be an effective giver and the joy of giving. He asked us to think about gifts that we can give to the Savior.

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

After the meeting was over we went back to Sheri's for a few minutes and then drove out to Darrel and Trina's ward. Darrel had to work and Trina walked in with Ruby and Addy. Addy went to sit on the stand and Trina and Ruby sat by us. Trina said Lola got sick and threw up all over her Christmas dress just before they left. Rowan stayed home with her.

One of the things I love about coming to church during Christmas is the singing of Christmas carols. In this second meeting we sang, 
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," and "Away in a Manger." The Primary children sang "If I Were a Shepherd." Ruby of course sang with them. 

Here are some of the notes I took of the meeting:
Addy's talk: -Christmas is a celebration of Christ's life, example and Atonement. Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.(She bore her testimony, which was amazing!)
Everyday I strive to become more like Him. As I grow so does my testimony in Him. (She quoted from 'I Stand All Amazed). DC 19:16-19: For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, tht they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink - Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
I was so proud of Addy and her talk. It is so wonderful to know that she has a testimony of the gospel and can express it so well.
Maya Turner, another youth: We should try to be kind to everyone.
Zach Olsen - Be a generous giver and a gracious receiver.
Kari Sandstrom (the ward organist) - My favorite part of Christmas is the nativity. I love looking and thinking about that first Christmas. 
Bishop Florence was the last speaker. 
We have 106 YM/YW in our ward. Peace in Christ is this years theme for YM/YW. DC 19:23 - "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."
How does Christ speak to us?
Through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and the living prophets.
Be better than we were yesterday. I love you brothers and sisters. Be good to each other. 

This was a really great meeting but the highlight for me was Addy's talk.

We went by Darrel and Trina's to see Lola and Rowan. Lola looked a little pale. She said to me: "I think I'm going to be sick for Christmas."

Back at Sheri's we had ham, potatoes, broccoli and rolls for lunch. Thanks Sheri. Afterwards James took a long nap while I put bows on packages.  This evening we visited Lois and Dawn. 

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Kim, and Brian tried to go to Zoo Lights but it was more crowded than Disneyland. Those were Kim's words. They went around town and looked at Christmas lights instead.

The same thing happened to Darrel's family. I guess Lola was well enough to go but it just didn't happen.

I like this picture of Lois and Jack

A Christmas tree quilt

I think these two really like each other

The Wanlass's in Idaho.

Guess who they saw?

Such sweet faces!

 I love this family photo!

Holding fingers

 Oh Lola!

 Sweet couple!

The First Christmas present

Reunited and it feels so good!

Sunday, December 24th, 2017

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec, 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Nephi 10:25
Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.
Book of Mormon

Moroni 1-5
*When have you bee blessed because a priesthoods holder fulfilled his responsibilities?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:16-18
16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.
17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom - 
18 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen.
General Conference

Fear Not To Do Good

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord told His leaders of the Restoration, and He tells us, that when we stand with faith upon His rock, doubt and fear are diminished; the desire to do good increases. As we accept President Monson's invitation to plant in our hearts a testimony of Jesus Christ, we gain the power, the desire, and the courage to go to the rescue of others without concern for our own needs."

We attended Darrel and Trina's ward this morning, everyone except Addy, who still has a bad cough. Trina said the opening prayer. 
They are members of the Everton ward, Eastmark stake. That may change next week as their ward is being divided. It was like a stake conference clear back to the end of the overflow. It took 12 deacons over 20 minutes to pass the sacrament to everyone.

There was a musical program presented by the choir and then the Bishop Glauser spoke on giving the perfect gift. He told about his handicapped brother who has brittle bone disease and how his parents gave his brother a desk one year for Christmas which turned out to be the perfect gift for him. Trina told me that recently the bishops brother took a bad fall and broke practically every bone in his body. Two days later he passed away.

A young boy in Ruby's Primary class sang "Silent Night." He has a beautiful voice for an eight year old.

Two sisters played the violins while another sister told a story. 

Two brothers sang "O Holy Night" in French and then a sister sang "Joy to the World" in French.

The closing hymn was "Away in a Manger."

After the service was over we went home, had some lunch and then took naps. After naptime we all went to see Lois and Dawn, everyone, including Addy. 

Later this evening James, Addy, Ruby, Lola and I went to the Wallen's to take Jared's kids their gifts. Jeanne and Mike were very friendly and so were the kids. We gave them their gifts and Molly opened hers. James and Anna were excited to tell James that they are planning on working in Washington next summer with their new found grandpa.

Darrel made a ham for dinner. It was good. I played Headbanz with Lola and Ruby.

Lola kept telling everyone what they were.

This evening the kids opened their jammies and their blankets.

 They already have on their new jammies.

Harry Potter for Addy

Ruby

Lola

For some reason I did not get a photo of Rowan in his new pj's.

All the kids with their blankets

Darrel and Trina with their new blankets

Ruby with her new pillow. 

She is not feeling very well.

That's Lola and baby Jesus there with her.

Visiting Santa

Star Wars Trivia at the Gonzales's

What a great photo of a great family!

The Barney's got matching jammies

Pam's dad had to have emergency surgery on

his neck today. This is what she said in a text 

to me yesterday: "My dad actually broke his neck, he has been getting worse since the fall in October. They said it was a pinched nerve and would heal but it hasn't. My sister brought him to the ER to work up for a possible stroke. The MRI revealed two fractures and a hematoma. A neurologist from Barrows will take him to surgery first thing in the morning.

I got this text this morning:

"The surgery has gone over by two hours so far, they're going slow and it's worse than what the surgeon expected, they are transfusing blood. They look concerned...I'm totally not freaking out, I'm totally not freaking out,...

And the final text:

"Omg. Six hours. They dug 7" to get to the spine. Four units of blood, two rods and screws. His spine was severely compressed. It is going to be a long recovery, very painful recovery.