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

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888

By: Lorenzo Snow

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 6:15-30

Why is it so important to follow our leaders, especially in these the latter days?

New Testament:"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me: Philippians 4 & Philippians 3:5-14 The Gospel of Jesus Christ is worth every sacrifice.

General Conference

Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me

Reyna I. Arburto

"I testify that 'thru cloud and sunshine' the Lord will abide with us, that our 'afflictions can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.'"

I got up around 5:30. I said my prayers and studied "Come Follow Me" and then I did some blogging and paid a couple of bills. At 7:30 I took a shower, ate some breakfast and around 8:20 I left for the hospital. Just before I got to Highway 60 I stopped by the side of the road to call James. Just at that time I received a text from him that said: "I guess I'm walking out of here without you?"

I immediately called him and asked if he had seen the doctor and been released from the hospital. When he told me yes, I told him I was on my way.

When I walked into his room James was dressed and sitting on the couch waiting for me. I told him I was sorry I had kept him waiting. Mirna, the nurses aid, walked to the car with us. She told us yesterday that she is from El Salvador and went to high school at Blue Ridge. Her husband played football and Blue Ridge. Now they live in Show Low and her son plays for Show Low. She said it is hard for them to sit on the Show Low side when they play Blue Ridge but they do it for their son. I told her my nephew was the coach at Show Low.

Before going home James and I went shopping at Walmart. He has to be on a liquid, soft diet for the next week or two. We bought things that we don't normally buy for him to eat.

Later we learned he can't have the frozen pineapple or any

fresh fruits or vegetables. He just bought about 10 bananas the day

before his surgery. I guess I will have to make banana nut bread and put it in the freezer. The milk is mine. He's got ice cream, pudding, yogurt, jello and eggs. The eggs will have to wait a few days too. The hardest thing is he can't have any chocolate for 30 days and no nuts. He loves Equate dark chocolate shakes with walnuts.

Our next stop was to get gas and wash the car. It took a while at the carwash because there were two cars ahead of us. James was quite patient I must say. We stopped at CVS and picked up a prescription for pain that Dr. DeLange called in. 

We stopped at the post office to pick up the mail. I had no books. Brother Brady said it was a perfect day and he was glad he rode his quad to pick up the mail. He had one of his grandsons with him.

When we got home James watched "DWTS" with me. It was my second time but his first. He doesn't usually watch it but he will watch Disney night.

James went outside to get some air and do a little walking. He still has pains from the gas and they told him walking would help. 

He spent this afternoon getting more paperwork to Quicken loan.

We watched a Flower Shoppe Mystery this afternoon while I walked and James rested. He says that nothing is helping with the pain. I read to him from our Aunt Dimity book.

I talked to Cathi today about family history. It was nice to hear her voice and visit with her.

Stacy, Kim, Sheri, Kacey and Trina all asked about James today. They and their families have been praying for him.

 Kacey says she climbs on the table

quite often and does this.

 Hospital volunteers made this pillow for

James. When he needs to cough he holds

it next to his stomach.

 Is this true?

 Part of my "Inklings" homework.

Kacey had to explain to me that the

Hebrew definitions are found in the Old

Testament scriptures and the Greek in 

the New Testament scriptures.

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship
Luke 22:70
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 19:7-24
*Have there been times in my life when I chose not to retaliate after a wrong was done to me? How did I feel?
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
BD: John the Baptist
General Conference

Shepherding Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"The prophet Nephi likewise taught that Jesus 'shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture.' I find abiding peace in knowing that 'the Lord is my shepherd' and that each of us is known by Him and under His care. When we confront life's wind and rainstorms, sickness, injuries and drought, the Lord - our Shepherd - will minister to us. He will restore our souls."

Slept in until after 7 and then I had chicken noodle soup for breakfast. It was delicious!  

I'm getting better but did not feel well enough to go to presidency meeting tonight. Tamara said we would either Skype or Facetime.

I learned something today I should have known before. Abortion clinics are in the business of making money and part of that business is selling fetal tissue. Wickedness abounds in the hearts of these people. How can people be so heartless and cruel to an innocent child? It sickens me. They are treating unborn children as if they are not a living entity and have no rights. How long will the Lord allow this to happen in the Promised Land?

James is really trying to understand this book business and how to buy, sell and profit from it. We have spent so much money and have sold five books. 

For lunch today we had a California Kitchen frozen pizza while studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson.

Tonight I put on makeup and did my hair, well at least I combed it. I set up my phone and computer at the table and got out my Relief Society notebook. Kerri couldn't figure out how to do Facetime, she doesn't have an i-phone is the problem, and my Skype account is connected to Microsoft and my Microsoft account is not active, so we just did a conference call on the phone.

At first I was a little annoyed that Tamara was insisting I be a part of the meeting but now I see she was inspired. Our meeting was all about ministering and changes that need to be made. I was able to participate and learned how to do some things on lds.org on the ministering page. It was a good meeting and I was grateful to Tamara for including me.

The question isn't do I like him as a person. 

The question is, is he good for our country?

 Love B. Kaufaman's photos

Rowan competing with the big boys!