Friday, October 4th, 2019

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Genesis 49:24

But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:20-15:6

New Testament: Ephesians: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Ephesians 5

General Conference

The Joy of the Saints

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Joy comes from keeping Christ's commandments, from overcoming sorrow and weakness through Him, and from serving as He served."

Sold two books today. One was a merchant fulfilled Victoria Holt book, "Lord of the Far Island." I was introduced to Victoria Holt by my "Nannie." She gave me "The Mistress of Mellyn" to read when I was a teenager. I think I have read most all of her books. 

We left the house at 9:30 this morning. I was reading to James and he missed his turn off the freeway so we had to do a little back-tracking. It happens every time.

He dropped me off at 10 o'clock at AARA for my 10:45 infusion appointment. I was only there a few minutes when Frances came and got me. I lost 4 lbs since last month! 

James dropped me off early because he had an appointment at Sonoran Spine on Rio Salado Parkway. He said the woman who check him in is a 6'2" Russian named Jelena. She makes him feel like a midget.

After my infusion James picked me up and we drove to Olive Garden again for lunch. We had three gift cards and we are just about to use them all up. Today I had soup, salad, and asiago tortellini. It was delicious and the lunch portions are the perfect size. Our waitress, April, was very friendly. When I told her we had a long drive home she gave us extra mints and a glass of water and a glass of ice. James had his ASU shirt on so she struck up a conversation saying she was an ASU graduate. She practiced criminal law but didn't really like it so now she's waiting tables again, just like she did in college. It is a good job for her because she is so friendly.

We stopped at the Walmart in Show Low before going home to get bananas, herbal tea, cream, and some markers. 

On the way through Vernon we some members of the Hunsaker family walking away from the graveyard after Analee's burial. Here are some photos that I got from Instagram and Facebook:

 Kip's girls: Kaylynn, Brielle, Hailey, Makenzi, LeeAnn

Analee's favorite color was purple

 Sean's daughter Camrie and her children

A young Analee

The Analee I knew and loved.

When we got home and my stuff was all put away I grabbed a Dilly bar and watched the season finale of Chesapeake Shores. James made me some BBQ pork leftovers. It was delicious with some Sweet Baby Ray's sauce rather than the sauce it was cooked in because I thought the sauce it was cooked in was too hot. 

I walked and did some blogging while watching a movie on the Up channel. James watched it too.

 I'm going to post this on the door to my pantry to
inspire me to do this again!

The Price's just got back from their mission.
I think they went to Martin's Cove.

I taught these two in Primary. Such great kids!!

 The woman is a police officer. She shot this man's
brother and killed him. She thought he was in her
apartment but she was in the wrong apartment.
She has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Rowan was chosen from his football team to go to this
leadership conference. He said it was boring.

Sunday, June 2nd, 2019

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 34:2

My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:1-16

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

JS-Matthew; Matthew 25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21

General Conference

Careful vs Casual

Becky Craven

"Being careful in living the gospel does not necessarily mean being formal or stuffy. What it does mean is being appropriate in our thoughts and behavior as disciples of Jesus Christ. As we ponder the difference between careful and casual in our gospel living, here are some thought to consider:

Are we careful in our Sabbath-day worship and in our preparation to partake of the sacrament each week?

Could we be more careful in our prayers and scripture study or be more actively engaged in "Come, Follow Me"?

Are we careful in our temple worship, and do we carefully and deliberately live the covenants we made both at baptism and in the temple?

Are we careful in how we minister to others and in how we fulfill our callings in the Church, or are we indifferent or casual in our call to serve?"

I read an amazing talk this morning that really helped me with my fast today. "Fasting with Power" by Elder Shayne M. Bowen, April 2009 Ensign. The first thing that caught my eye in this talk was the statement: "A person can overcome any addiction or bad habit through living the law of the fast."
The entire article is wonderful to read if you are someone who struggles with fasting like I do.

This morning I also found an idea on Pinterest for us to use as our Father's Day gifts this year in the ward.

Simple and fun

Bishop Miller and his family are vacationing in California this week. Brother Thompson conducted our fast and testimony meeting. James bore his testimony and in addition to what he said on Facebook he gave me another tribute. It was a little embarrassing, but very sweet.

Brother Wright bore his testimony and it was one of my favorites. Also a fairly new member Brother Morrison bore his testimony. It was sweet and simple. His twins came up to see him while he was waiting on the stand and when he got up to go to the pulpit Lannie and John got up and each took a twin and delivered them back to their mom and brother.

Brother Judd taught Sunday School and started to introduce next week's lesson amidst protests so he went back to this week's lesson, "The Son of Man Shall Come." The class go into quite a discussion about being prepared, the monetary system, food storage, etc. My friend Tamara and I were a little disappointed that no other topics were discussed. One of the things I appreciated from this lesson was the reference from Gospel Topics on the Second Coming. Here is a list that I found regarding the prophesied events and signs:

1. Apostasy from gospel truth.

2. The Restoration of the gospel, including the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

3. The restoration of priesthood keys.

4. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

5. The preaching of the gospel throughout the world.

6. A time of wickedness, war, and turmoil.

7. Signs in heaven and on the earth.

The righteous need not fear the Second Coming or the signs that precede it. The Savior's words to His Apostles apply to all who prepare for His coming and who look forward to it with joy: "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled." (DC 45:35).

We had a family history consultant meeting immediately after the block. James, Brother Curtis, Sister Thompson, Sister Klug, and I attended.

Brother Curtis says the bishop is concerned about the consultants getting into the homes of the members. It is a challenge getting people interested in doing the work. On another note Brother Curtis and indexed and reviewed over 185,000 names. He says it is his hobby and he loves doing it.

James and I went home and took naps. After napping we broke our fast and had some dinner. James had bought steaks when he went shopping Friday and he grilled them outside. I made the potatoes and the veggies.

 I was able to fast for 24 hours, something that is difficult for me to do but I was determined after reading Elder Bowen's talk. Here is an excerpt from his talk:

After dinner we went a little overboard with dessert. We had ice cream with roasted pecans and caramel sauce. Quite delicious. 

James took a long nap while I worked on my blog and then we both wrote letters to Ben and watched the finale of "When Calls the Heart."

 Nothing like a sleeping baby

What Charlie does while Kacey and Jared

are teaching Sunday School

 Macy and Scarlett

Which do you prefer, desert,

or

mountains? 

 Hunsaker's had a baby blessing in the valley

James said his missed Colter in his class.

I think Kip is giving Alicia bunny ears or horns.

 Celebrating on their mission in 

Martin's Cove, Wyoming

Hunks of "When Calls the Heart"

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 11:18

And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Alma 4:5-20

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 19:1-27

General Conference

Preparing for the Lords Return

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

In two weeks, we will celebrate Easter. The Resurrection confirms the divinity of Jesus Christ and the reality of God the Father. Our thoughts turn to the Savior, and we ponder "His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice." I hope we also think about His pending return when 'He will rule as King of Kings and ... Lord of Lords."

I bought books from a new DFY list today. One of the books was gated but I bought all the rest. I also bought some books that have sold off of my inventory list. Others that weren't profitable now I set alerts on. I have bought 30 new books since May 13th. We sold three today.

Kacey sent a text today that gives hope that Jared may be able to get out from under the alimony payment. 

This afternoon I made cookies for one of the Wilhelm kids. Zemira turns 13 today. When we took the cookies and a card over to them Zemira and Andy and Johnny were on horses and were headed for the hills to go camping. When James hands Zemira the cookies he says, "but I already had cookies today." Andy says: "That's okay, we can take them with us."!

I read from "To Win a Lady's Heart" to James and then walked while watching "Chopped Junior." I haven't watched "Chopped" for awhile and I forgot how much I enjoy it. These kids were really good chefs!

James did some roadwork on the Cat this afternoon until it died and he couldn't get it started. He thinks it may have a dead battery. He told the Judd's they could use it on Saturday to haul beams for their new house so we will have to go into town and take the battery and have it tested.

We sent out a temple cleaning email via the Relief Society and Elder's Quorum today. Hopefully that will get people's attention. James will also make phone calls until we get at least 15 people committed for Saturday evening. Our ward has this assignment every Memorial Day weekend.

The Pacific Northwest

Wish we could go back to these days!

 53 years

They are on a mission in Wyoming at
Martin's Cove right now.

 Pancakes!

Sunday, May 5th, 2019

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:16-39

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Review John 7-10

General Conference

Just As He Did

W. Christopher Waddell
"Just one year ago, a call was extended by President Russell M. Nelson for each of us to care for our brothers and sisters in a 'higher, holier way.' Speaking of the Savior, President Nelson taught that 'because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did. We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness"

Elder Uchtdorf says that "Obedience is the lifeblood of faith." Benjamin mentions the importance of obedience in several of his missionary letters. It really is the number one law of heaven and key to all of our blessings.

I read the preface of my new book by Sheri Dew this morning. She is such a good writer and I am so excited to start the book about President Nelson's life.

When we arrived at church today I went directly to the chapel and James went to his Primary room to set up for his class. The chapel was so much more quiet than it was last week. I guess Elder Holland's talk given in Relief Society and Elder's Quorum last week really helped. 

James and I totally forgot that today was fast Sunday. It is humbling to let the Lord down and we were truly sorry. I have to admit that fasting is not my favorite thing to do but I know that it is very important.

There were only two brothers who bore their testimony, Bishop Miller and Brother Applegate. The rest were sisters. President Miles and Brother Wright visited our ward today.

I enjoyed Sister Woods' "Come Follow Me" lesson today about the Savior  being "The Good Shepherd."  She has a way of getting people involved.

James visited Sister Wood and her husband this afternoon. I was going to go with him but his ministering companion Brother Westbrook went so I didn't need to go. On the way home James stopped at the Wilhelm's to deliver baby Lanell's birthday present. Everyone was outside looking at the new baby calf that was born.

George and the calf

 I stayed home and Face Timed with Charlie. She had just got up from her nap and I must say she was not very happy to see me. I was so happy to see her! She is not feeling well and did not make it to her church meetings today.

After being off the air for two months "When Calls the Heart" returned this evening and James and I watched it. There is another episode on again tomorrow night. It is such a good family show. It reminds me of when we had shows like "Little House on the Prairie" to watch.

It was a good Sabbath day. I am so grateful for the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.

Happy Birthday Dennis!

Last years birthday at the state track meet.

 Our friends Linda and John are serving another mission.

She got ready to go to church

This is where she ended up.

Little Miss Scarlett is ready for church.

Elder Rosenbaum

He came to Arizona this past week and visited 

lots of his Vernon friends.

Even though this picture shows Lori Loughlin

she is no longer on the show.