Tuesday, July 14th, 2020

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

DC 76:39

For all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father before the worlds were made.
Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"
Alma 32:27-43
April General Conference

"Hosanna and Hallelujah - The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"The sacred events between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are the story of hosanna and hallelujah Hosanna is our plea for God to save. Hallelujah expresses our praise to the Lord for the hope of salvation and exaltation. In hosanna and hallelujah we recognize the living Jesus Christ as the heart of Easter and latter-day restoration.

"Seek Learning by Faith"

Elder David A. Bednar

February 3, 2006

Sheri ran this morning and when she returned we went shopping in Taylor. First we went to Walmart. You would have thought I would have finished my shopping yesterday but I guess I can always find something to buy. Sheri got gas at Circle K and we were going to go in and get a drink but their soda machine was broken. Sheri got me $20 with her debit card and I sent her $20 through Venmo to pay her back. I needed the money for Summer's birthday card. 

Since there was no soda fountain at Circle K Sheri got a drink and a burrito at Sonic and a bag of ice. I didn't get anything. Sheri is on the intermittent fasting plan. She only eats between 10 am and 7 pm. 

When we got back to the cabin it was time for lunch, then a nap, and then ordering more books. As I was checking my IPI score on Amazon, my inventory performance index, I noticed it said that I had 25 books that were stranded. These were different than the books I just got out from being stranded. As I got to looking I realized all of the stranded books were ones that I sent yesterday and they had not even arrived at Amazon yet. Here is the message I got back when I emailed Seller Support: 

Based on my investigation, I have confirmed that your shipment is still being shipped to our warehouse. Rest assured that there is nothing wrong with your shipment and your IPI score will not be affected by this. I would also like to inform you that any shipment sent in our fulfillment centers will take 21 days from the delivered/checked in date to be fully received and processed into your account. In addition to this, receiving of shipments nowadays will take longer than usual since there are too many shipments being received prior to your shipment due to the peak season.

I humbly ask you to wait for the shipment status to be closed or to be fully received to avoid any confusions in our warehouse team and any inventory discrepancies. This helps ensure that the products in your shipment have had sufficient time to reach the appropriate fulfillment center, including your products that need to be reshipped to other locations in order to be closer to customers. 

This letter had two more complete paragraphs but I was already lost so I didn't include those paragraphs here. When I checked my status this morning, my books were still listed under stranded. I think they will eventually remove them. Amazon must be a zoo right now.

I ended up buying 11 books today. Only 39 more to go. Now that it is taking Amazon longer to process books, I need to order all of my books by the end of the week. It will take a couple of weeks for them to get here and by the time I send them off and wait 21 days textbook season will be in full gear. Stress.

I forgot to mention that I listened to Kris and Kathy this morning before Sheri and I went shopping. I am always reminded of things I need to be doing when I listen to them. 

Joe and Alex arrived this afternoon. They were not hungry but they were both tired and went upstairs to take naps while Sheri and I fixed dinner. The reason they weren't hungry is because they stopped at Panda Express before coming to Vernon. 

This afternoon Sheri and I made pies. She made a homemade blueberry with the best crust ever. I made an Eagle Brand pie with Coolwhip on top. This pie is for James and Ian. I used the pecan crust and it w

Sheri cooked the steaks outside on the grill and I made the mashed potatoes. She put some asparagus on a cookie sheet, sprinkled it with olive oil and put it in the oven at 450 degrees. All of a sudden I turned around and smoke was rising out of the back of the oven. I looked in at the asparagus and it seemed fine. I tried to open the kitchen window but it was stuck. I called James to come in and he managed to get the window open.  That smoky cloud was with us the rest of the evening. Sheri had bought strip steaks which are much cheaper than the steaks I usually get at Costco but they were delicious. The asparagus and potatoes were good too along with the rolls Sheri brought.

For "Come Follow Me" we watched a video of Alma giving his speech to the poorer Zoramites. We also read Alma 33. James asked Joshua to give the family prayer.

When James went out to ride Luna Ian, Sheri, the dogs and I went outside too. The dogs constantly bark at Luna. James was chasing after some cows so when he took off he was running Luna. Ollie was not on his leash and got loose and started running after him. We think he was going to save James from the "big spotted dog."

Sheri was yelling for him to stop but he was running full speed ahead and I doubt if he heard her. I was worried he was going to go out in the trees and get lost. James was long gone. Thank goodness Joshua and Evan were outside and Evan had shoes on. He could run faster than Sheri in her flip flops and was able to catch little Ollie who has such short legs. Sheri spent the evening pulling burrs out of Ollie's hair. 

Max, Alex, Joe, and James played a game of Hearts. Max came and asked James to play. While they were playing I was walking and listening to talks. I managed to get my 12,500 steps.

Joe and Alex went for a walk while we were eating. The other boys went upstairs and discovered a bat. It flew into my office and they shut the door. That's where Alex is sleeping and they said they would tell him. He was not upset at all and neither was Joe. Alex just said, "okay, I will catch him."

When James went out to ride Luna Ian, Sheri, the dogs and I went out also. The dogs just constantly bark at Luna. When James rode off to chase some cows he was going at a high run. Ollie was not on his leash and he took off running after James and Luna. She went running after him yelling for him to come back but he was in the "zone" and was not about to stop running. Sheri was slow because she had flip flops on and the ground is rocky and the grass high. Luckily Evan and Joshua were outside and they took off at a high run for Ollie. Thank goodness Evan had shoes on and was able to catch him. I asked Sheri if she spanked him and she said, "No, but I yelled at him." Poor Ollie.

This evening Max came in and asked if he wanted to play Hearts. James can't turn down a chance to play Hearts. Hearts is a came for four people, Alex and Joe being the other two. While they played I walked around the table in the entry listening to conference talks. I managed to get my 12,500 steps. It was a good day filled with family, fun and food.

 I wonder where mom and dad are going to sleep

 Hearts is serious business around here

 Tyra Banks is the new MC for Dancing 

with the Stars. I'm going to miss Tom and Erin.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

(recently renovated)

Mosiah 7

* In verse 33 what does Limhi exhort his people to do?

* What principles can we learn from Limhi and his people about the effect of recognizing and feeling sorrow for our sins?

Helaman 11-12

11 Nephi persuades the Lord to replace their war with a famine - Man people perish - They repent, and Nephi importunes the Lord for rain - Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations - The Gadianton robbers entrench themselves in the land. About 20-6 B.C.

12 Men are unstable and foolish and quick to do evil - The Lord chastens His people - The nothingness of men is compared with the power of God - In the day of judgment, men will gain everlasting life or everlasting damnation. About 6 B.C.

DC 58:1-12

Those who endure tribulation will be crowned with glory; The Saints are to prepare for the marriage of the Lamb and the supper of the Lord;

Why does the Lord allow tribulations to come upon His people?

* To help us develop humility and prove worthy of eternal blessings.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel

Elder Valerie V. Cordon

"Powerful teaching is extremely important to preserve the gospel in our families, and it requires diligence and effort."

James broke another irrigation line last night so we won't be going to the temple this morning.  I went grocery shopping instead and to the bank to get money for the egg hunt.  I went to the Walmart on Germann and Gilbert because it is a little less hectic than the one on Arizona Avenue.  I am excited about the recipe I have for cooking a ham, I just hope my ham will fit in a crockpot.  I stopped at In 'n' Out for burgers and fries for lunch.  Cathi was excited because she got the last two green chili burros for her lunch.

Sedona

This afternoon Sheri and Kim colored eggs at Sheri's. I went down to visit and fill Easter eggs for tomorrow's hunt.  To my surprise Joe was there.  He cut his hair.  It looks great!

Joe is a handsome guy especially with

his new do.

Alex and Shana were coloring eggs, but Alex was wearing a blanket around because he has the flu.  Joshua and Rowan were there too.  Rowan colored some eggs but Joshua said he was going to color eggs at home with his mom.  Joshua got his hair cut too.

He says his mom doesn't like it but he does

because now he looks like a real Mexican.

James was not able to fix the broken water line because someone irrigated before he got the glue on and filled the hole with water.  He was digging up a tree as a favor for Sal when this last break happened.  He is so discouraged.

We went to dinner at Cafe Rio and he had a chance to relax and unwind. 

Colin, Terry's grandson, spent the night at Cathi and Terry's.  He and Cathi painted Easter eggs and he and Terry played a video game with the new wireless controller Terry got him.  James and I read from our book and went to bed early.

Fun Photos

Friends Rusty and Kendall who just got married

last week.

 I love Salt Lake in the spring time

with all the flowers.  When I was the stake Relief Society

President I went to all the Relief Society open houses in

Salt Lake, which meant I was there twice a year for 

five years.  I miss those trips.

Those were the days.

Michael in his Batman cape and mask would come

down to our house dressed just like this at 6 a.m.

Trina caught Darrel smiling!

My two homes, built by James.

My dear sweet friend Ann who passed away

last year.  She was the stake Primary President

and I was her counselor.  We were in a car accident

together in 1977.  I severed all the tendons in my

right knee.

My dream patio

I love this picture of Molly

Her eyes are sparkling!

First day of school

Junior High

Sunday, January 29, 2017

1 Nephi 18:21-19:6
How does Nephi remind me of Christ? (Compare Mark 4:34-39)
2 Nephi 31-33
DC 17:1-9
When have you relied on the word of the Lord and felt that you have been protected from the adversary?
Talk: "Trust in the Lord"
By: Marion G. Hanks
April 1975
GC:  'God Shall Wipe Away All Tears' by Elder Evan A. Schmutz

"Many of us have pleaded with God to remove the cause of ur suffering, and when the relief we seek has not come, we have been tempted to think He is not listening.  I testify that, even in those moments, He hears our prayers, has a reason for allowing our

afflictions to continue, and will help us bear them."

Our garage door was frozen shut this morning when we went to open it.  "Superman" has to open it with his suit on.  Now the rubber guard is torn.  

The Applegates spoke in sacrament meeting today.  First they spoke together and then each of them spoke separately.  The topics: Home and visiting teaching.  

My lesson on Joseph Smith receiving the gold plates went quite well.  Jace, Lianna, Colter, and Curtis attended.  During the third hour the Primary president told the teachers they were excused to go to the bishopric adult meeting in the chapel.  Woohoo!

Bishop spoke for a few minutes and then Brother Wilhelm led the remainder of the meeting.  Here are a few notes I took:

Bishop - Take the Book of Mormon challenge seriously.  Blessings will come, your life will be changed.  Your ability to serve will be elevated.  Stretch yourself and put God first.  How sincere are your prayers?

Brother Wilhelm - The importance of Teacher Council Meetings.  How can we be better teachers?  The Savior's way of teaching came from who He was and the "power of the Spirit that He carried with Him" (Luke 4:14).  The key to teaching as the Savior taught is to live as the Savior lived.  How did He live?  The Savior was full of love.  Everything the Savior did was an expression of love.  The Savior sought and obeyed His Fathers will and taught His Father's doctrine.  The Savior was completely committed to His sacred mission - to bring God's children back to Him.  The Savior loved the scriptures and used them to teach and testify of His mission.  The Savior lived what He taught.  In every setting He was the perfect example.  He taught His followers to pray by praying with them.  He taught them how to live His gospel by the way He lived.  He was always teaching.  

Friends

Brother Bogle who passed away two years ago.

He is remembered for singing the song

"Stampede" around scout campfires.

The Kempton's, our dear friends from Chandler.

President Kempton was a mission president in the same

mission where Jared served while he was there.

For lunch today we had leftover meatloaf and potatoes.  Afterwards James went home teaching to the Wallace's.  I took a nap on the couch.  When James gets home I get up and he takes a nap in the bedroom.  

It is a little unusual to see deer in our yard.

I worked on my blog, and did my gospel study.  When James woke up we watched "Love Locks", a Hallmark movie and read from "Boys in the Boat" by the fire.  We went to bed around 11.

Jared and Kacey

Jared shared this on Facebook recently:

"Three years ago I was at the lowest point that I've ever been in my life.  I was desperate and it felt like there was no escape in sight.  One week ago I married the most amazing person I've ever met.  She has taught me about life and love and what's most important.  There were many days and weeks and years of pain and heartache.  With those days came much prayer and fasting.  I've learned that the Lord lifts us up and comforts us through our trials.  He teaches us.  He leads us, and when we turn our will over to Him then He blesses us.  No prayer goes unheard.  No heartache is given without an opportunity to learn and grow and for Him to lift and carry and comfort.  He has blessed me with the most amazing woman and a wonderful blended family that I love and adore.  I'm grateful for her and I'm grateful for Him.  I'm just grateful."

Kacey shared on Facebook:

"Exactly a week ago, I stood in a Holy temple and committed myself in marriage for eternity.  Literally the best day of my life.  

Today, a week later, I sat in a church for my grandmother's funeral.

Two very different weekends.  However, as I stood at my grandmothers casket and looked at her, so beautiful and peaceful, I was overwhelmed with a very strong sense of the eternal nature of families, very similar to what I had felt just a week prior as Jared and I were married and two families merged.  As I stood and looked at my paternal grandmother, I felt her presence, as well as the presence of my maternal grandmother.  In this moment I became so much more aware of the beauty of God's plan for families.  I felt no divisions of mom's side or dad's side or Mormon or Baptist...I felt unity.  Unity in my grandmothers. l Unity in family.  Whether in the happiest time of marriage or the saddest time of death, it all ties back to the same place.  Family.  Forever.

I love and appreciate these two so much and we are so grateful to have Kacey and her children as part of our family.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

1Nephi 9:1-10:10

Have you ever felt like you were doing something the Lord asked you to do "for a wise purpose in him, which purpose you knew not?"

1 Nephi 21-22

DC 6:1-10

Why is the principle of repentance so important to teach people?

Talk: "The Key to Eternal Progression"

By: W. Gibb Dyer, Jr.

May 15, 2001

GC:  Abide in My Love by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"From the Book of Mormon we learn that the intent of Christ's suffering the ultimate manifestation of His love - was 'to bring 

about the bowels of mercy, which over powereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance." (See Alma 34:15-16)

I love that we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants

this year in Sunday School.

I cleaned and polished the family room and living room wood floor today.  It looks beautiful!  I also swept and mopped the kitchen and dining room floors.  

Tom Thumb Peak

I wonder if that's Tom's dog.

I still am afraid to use the wifi.  The 14th starts a new cycle so only two more days.  I have not blogged, got on Facebook, or played Solitaire.  You would think I would have withdrawals but I am doing ok.

I love Evan's artwork!

I have these notes in the margin of 1Nephi 22 in my scriptures:

"The fruit of keeping covenants is the companship of the Holy Ghost and an increase in the power to love.  That happens because of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change our very natures."

Also, I love this line from Elder Christofferson's talk:

"Each of us can experience the ecstasy of divine potential unfolding within us."

This is a picture of Hilary Anderson.

Her mom has Harry Potter parties.

She came as Professor Trelawny.

I think she looks just like her.

This evening I watched the Hallmark movie, "The Lost Valentine" starring Betty White.  I had seen it before and still cried like a baby.

James sent me a text to go outside and look at the moon.  It was huge and situated right over Mount Montoso.  Gorgeous!

Family Photos:

Oh Ruby, I love you!

Max doing his homework.

Two years ago in El Paso helping Jared's ward do a service 

project at the cemetery for Billion Graves.

James Hayden was at a basketball game.

James