Saturday, April 11th, 2020

Oakland, California

13th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Judge

Alma 33:22
If so. wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.
Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"
3 Nephi 11 and 17
April General Conference

"Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"I invite you to remember each day the greatness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and what They have done for you."

Restoration

Church History in the Fulness of Times

Chapter 9 Gathering to the Land of Zion

Because of the Christ on Calvary

Brad Wilcox

Is there really a pandemic going on? Sometimes it seems unreal to me as I sit here at home doing the things I normally do. I have a rude awakening when I go to Walmart and the shelves are bare.

We read about the tradition of red eggs and lilies today in Emily's book, "A Christ-centered Easter."

We went to town today. It's funny how we don't communicate very well. James thought we were going to town to get feed for Luna. I thought we were going to town to get groceries. We did both but not without James acting surprised. 

The baby chicks were so cute at C-A-L Ranch. James showed me the pink saddles and the pink lassos. Everyone is catering to girls these days. 

After our trip to C-A-L Ranch we stopped at Taco Bell for some lunch. While I started the grocery shopping James went across the street to Circle K to get some gas. I am trying not to put too much on the credit card this month. I told him to use it for gas and I would use my debit card for the groceries. We also used the credit card at C-A-L Ranch. 

No matter how hard I try I can't seem to get my grocery bill below $200. This week I did take out some cash for Alex's birthday on the 16th. My bill was $200.01.

When James got home he took a nap and then went for a ride on Luna looking for antlers. They were gone about two hours.

While at Walmart I bought some baskets to make Easter baskets for the sisters I minister to. This was kind of a last minute idea. I'm not sure why I didn't think of it sooner. 

I ran off a flip book of the Easter story on the Redheaded Hostess's site. I also ran off questions to put in the eggs about Easter. Sometimes I wonder where my brain is. It would have been so easy for me to take a picture of all of the baskets when they were done, but of course I forgot.

Jean, Catherine, and Tanna's baskets all had 12 eggs with the questions in them and the Easter flip book. I also made a bunny pop for each basket and then wrote a message inside of an Easter card telling them one of my favorite scriptures, Phillipians 4:13 and bearing testimony of the Savior and how much He loves them and how much I love them. Cammy's card had 14 eggs because there are seven people in her family. 

I did not finish the baskets until about 7:30 Easter night and that's when we delivered them.

Scarlett

Charlie:

 I forgot to post this sweet picture.

Tanner was not with Charlie at Easter.

They are watching the movie "Cars"

Charlie's favorite.

 Fun at Home for Scarlett

I love how they turn their heads when they

are listening.

 James is dying to find this cave

but he won't ask where it is.

Haven't they suffered enough?

Friday, March 6th, 2020

Cordoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 21:4
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"
 "The Doctrine of Christ" D. Todd Christofferson, Apr 2012

March 2020 Ensign

Ministering Through

Temple Service

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 36

The Weak Thing of The World

Oct 2019 GenCon

"Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

" I invite you to commit to a lifelong process of discipleship. Make and keep covenants. Throw your old ways into deep, churning waterfalls. Completely bury your weapons of rebellion with no handles sticking out. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, making covenants with a real intent to reliably honor them will bless your life forever. You will become more like the Savior as you always remember Him, follow Him, and adore Him. I testify that He is the firm foundation. He is dependable, and His promises are sure. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We have received texts from both Alex and Michael recently. Alex said: "I was just thinking about how much I love you and grandpa! I hope you both are doing well!  

I replied: "Thank you Alex! We are doing well. It is so sweet of you to ask. We love you so very much!

From Michael: "Hi, just wanted to check in with you guys and say I miss you and love you!

Our replies: (Michael sent his message to both of us, whereas Alex just sent his to me).

Me: Thanks Michael. I love you and miss you too!

James: What a thoughtful grandson! Thanks for your concern. I will have a great afternoon because I will be working at the temple.

Michael: Snowflake?

James: Yes

Michael: That's the best one.

Me: The Gilbert is more grandiose.

Michael: It doesn't have the scenery and charm though.

Me: Snowflake is like a cozy cottage.

Michael: I've never actually been inside.

Me: Someday

Michael: Yes

I sure do love these boys, or young adults, I guess I should say. To me they will always be boys.

We had Pirate Booty all over the couch this morning. I got out the vacuum and did some cleaning. It's worth it to have Pirate Booty on your couch when you have friends like the Grapp's. 

I did quite a long post for Monday on my blog and then lost it because of my computer. That means I will have to post again this evening.

Today is Kristin Miner's wedding and reception. We were actually invited to the sealing in the Gilbert temple. James wanted to go but decided not to. Dave, Kristin's dad is one of his dearest friends. He was a counselor to him when he served as a bishop. Bunny, Kristen's mom, is a good friend too. We will send a card and since they are registered on Amazon, we will send a gift too.

I inventoried 14 books today. James was waiting for me to get my shipment ready so he could take it into town when he went. I told him there was no way I would have it ready today so he went without books.

I got a text from Sheri today asking if we could meet her in Heber on Sunday to pick up Max. I told her we could but was wondering if Max would come up by himself.

A text from Darrel asking if we could watch Lola and Ruby Wednesday-Saturday while he and Trina, Addy, and Rowan, went to trek. He was going to bring them up on Wednesday. I told him Dad may be down there and could bring them back.

I texted with my nephew Brian Maxwell this morning. I asked if James and I could come for a visit tomorrow. He said they were leaving for the valley in the morning. I asked him how he was doing? He said:"I'm doing good. A couple more weeks in this boot and then maybe I can take it off. I said we would like to come and visit another time if that was okay. 

Cammy's bread is too good. It goes so well with butter and jam after being toasted.

My friend Karen S. had a story to tell me about Costco and how they are running low on supplies because of the Corona virus scare.

"I wanted some gluten free noodles that Costco had but they sell out on and off and I can't get them so I watch for them to get back in stock. Today Costco had them in but with all the craziness I ordered them online through instacart with some other things. They were just delivered and the driver said Costco was insane today, and Saturday was worse. All the canned goods, rice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, water and toilet paper were sold out.The shelves were empty on those aisles. Scary!

People go crazy when they think a crisis is coming. We are supposed to always be prepared so we don't have to panic and greedily grab every thing in sight at the last minute.

James bought a new sander to get in the smaller areas as he finished up Sheri and Ian's balcony railings. I guess that's one of the reasons he went to town today.

I do this too Scarlett! 

She still looks beautiful!

 Ollie and Ziggie, or as I call them,

Salt and Pepper.

 Why does Trump have on a 

flight jacket?

I don't know what kind of bird this is,

but he is definitely patriotic!

 We taught Kristen in Primary

She's all grown up and beautiful!

Kristen's sister McKell is a baker with

a wedding business. She is married and

raising two boys also.

I needed a picture of the groom

Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Dedicated: 30 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Hosea 13:4

Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no savior beside me.

Book of Mormon

Testimony of Joseph Smith

10/2019 General Conference

"Be Faithful, Not Faithless"

Stephen W. Owen

Young Men General President

"I have met many of you young Latter-day Saints who are bright, strong, and faithful. You know that you are sons and daughters of God and that He has a work for you to do. You love God with all you 'heart, might, mind and strength.' You keep your covenants and serve others, beginning at home. You exercise faith, repent, and improve each day, and this brings you enduring joy. You are preparing for temple blessings and other opportunities you will have as true followers of the Savior. And you are helping prepare the world for the Second Coming, inviting all to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His Atonement. You are connected with heaven."

We got a text from Darrel saying that Rowan was going to be ordained a Teacher this Sunday. I told James I thought we should go. He was a little hesitant because this was the first week with his new Primary class and he is scheduled to teach. I told him I thought Sheri was going to arrange for Evan to be ordained and wanted him to do it. He finally relented. Rowan's ordination will be at 12:15 in east Mesa, and Evan's in Chandler at 12:15. We decided to attend Sheri's ward, the Galveston 3rd ward at 9:00, attend Evan's ordination and then drive out to Rowan's. We will leave around 5:30 Sunday morning.

Anthony picked up James to help with the horses again today. James takes the two merchant fulfilled books I sold and mails them at the post office. 

Tricia told Kacey that we only gave blankets to Molly last year. The kids were at her house last year and she took pictures of them with their new blankets. She sent the picture to Tricia.

James is frustrated he can't scan on his new computer. While he was gone with Anthony I downloaded a scanner app for him. He needs to scan a document for the new contractor's commercial bond he is getting so he can send it to them. This company is much cheaper than the one we have now, Merchant Bonding. He also needs to send a contract for Mario Chacon to sign.

I talked James into going to Dollar General to get a drink with the promise that I would read to him from, "Aunt Dimity Next of Kin."

I got a rootbeer and a coke. I liked the rootbeer better but both were too sugary. I need to stop drinking them, or limit myself to one drink a week.

I watched a Lifetime movie, "The Christmas Hotel". I think this is the last one for this season.

James and I studied Joseph Smith's testimony this evening for "Come Follow Me." We studied one paragraph at a time and took notes. There are 24 paragraphs in his testimony.

Molly dances for Charlie

 Ollie and Ziggie or Salt and Pepper