Sunday, July 19th, 2020

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Light of the World

Isaiah 2:5

O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 36:1-16

April General Conference

"Opening the Heavens for Help"

President Russell M. Nelson

Symbolically, Jesus Christ is standing under an arch. The arch reminds us of the resurrected Savior emerging from the tomb on the third day following His Crucifixion. This symbol should feel familiar to many, as we have long identified the restored gospel with the living, resurrected Christ. The symbol will now be used as a visual identifier for official literature, news, and events of the Church. It will remind all that this is the Savior's Church and that all we do as members of His Church centers on Jesus Christ and His gospel. 

I spent the morning working on finishing up the "Come Follow Me" lesson in my Sunday journal. I wanted to have this finished before we went to the Crane's at 10:30 for our group study of Alma 32-35. I love these chapters. I love how Alma lays out to the Zoramites the need for faith and how faith can grow within our hearts as we learn about the Savior and His Atonement. Amulek testifies of the Savior and our need for His Atonement after Alma has laid the foundation of faith. I love the idea that we can pray and worship God anywhere, anytime and that we should always have a prayer in our hearts. My testimony of the truthfulness of these principles was strengthened as I studied these chapters. 

As we met at the Crane's there were six of us, the Crane's, the Goodman's, and James and I. Brother Peeler took Brother Kostusiak to the valley to be stitched up again. He and Chuck are the ministering brothers and they take turn making trips to the valley with them. Donna's son came to visit so she stayed home with him. 

I learned today that the Goodman's bought Brother Kostusiak a new chair so it will be easier for him to get up and down without putting pressure on his chest where the stitches are. Another example of service which they so readily give.

During our lesson discussion Kathy and Chuck learned that being "poor in spirit" is a good thing as it signifies humility and our dependence upon God. We watched Amulek's speech to the Zoramites which was so good. We also watched Alma's. 

There were no refreshments because we were asked to fast for moisture by our stake president, President Beeler. 

We were so happy to have Barbara back with us. She has been recovering from her shoulder surgery the past several weeks. She still had her arm in a sling. Kathy let me borrow their movie, "The Fighting Preacher."

This afternoon I read all of the talks we are studying this week for our Lambson Study Group. Here is the list:

"What Lack I Yet?"

Elder Larry R. Lawrence

October 2015 GenCon

"Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

October 2015 GenCon

"Seek Learning by Faith"

Elder David A. Bednar

Feb. 3, 2006

After my study we did FaceTime with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Tanner. Some things we discussed: Tanner wants to be a mechanic. Summer is staying alone in a hotel room because she does have symptoms of Covid-19 even though she tested negative. Charlie likes to hide and has picked out a couple of favorite spots in the house. She also thinks if she covers her eyes, you can't see her because she can't see you. 

Jared initiates our Zoom meetings. Sheri did not attend today. Max and Evan were over at Shayna's watching their new puppy so they got a late start having their church meeting which coincided with our meeting. At the end when we were saying our goodbyes, Charlie wanted to know where Sheri was.

Stacy participated today having read the talks ahead of time and sharing some of her favorite quotes. It was so nice to have her and I enjoyed her input. Kacey did not get to participate much because of Charlie but Jared did share a story about how she exercised faith by stepping into the unknown when she left her husband without knowing where she would live and if she would get a job. Things did work out to her advantage. I'm not sure I would have had the faith she had but I am so proud of her for doing what she felt was right.

Kim and Brian participated. One thing I remember Kim saying was that she learned the importance of the learner participating actively in the learning process. She said she wishes she would have allowed Joe to do this more when he was growing up. 

This is one of the quotes that Stacy shared from Elder Andersen's talk: "How we live our lives either diminishes or enhances our faith."

This evening James and I both wrote letters to our missionary, Elder Trezise. I am determined to write to him at least once or twice a month. He only has a little over a month before he finishes his mission. 

I also worked on my blog this evening. We went to bed before I posted pictures because the computer was too slow. We were going to watch "The Fighting Preacher" but there just wasn't time. 

It was a wonderful Sabbath Day!

I love this picture taken back in April

 Scarlett has such a great smile!

 Twin Falls, Idaho temple

Charlie's Sabbath joy

 Dad and Charlie doing their thing

I love this quote and I love Sister Hinckley

Thursday, July 2nd, 2020

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

95th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 July 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

DC 65:3

Yea, a voice crying - Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 26 with James; Study Guide

April General Conference

"Shall We Not Go On In So Great a Cause"?

"The Savior then spoke: 'Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way, walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments. Behold, I am the Lord of glory. I was crucified for the world, that all those who believe on my name may have eternal life.'"

James was listening to Sean Hannity this morning on his computer. He made the comment: "The democrats want to destroy our country." I said: "Let's have scriptures because I don't want to start the day out by being angry at the democrats."

Because of interruptions and computer glitches it took me until 10 a.m. to finish working on my blog. I wanted to start working on books around 8 so I guess you could say that I am two hours behind.

I asked James to take Luna a carrot this morning when he went out to feed her. I bought a bag of big carrots just for her and they are still sitting in the bottom of the frig. He said he had a carrot in one hand and her can of feed in the other. He offered her the carrot and she whinnied and shook her head. The girl knows what she wants.

I met Maxine in the church parking lot to get my tray from her. Brother Scott, Cooper, and Goodman were there too. Brother Cooper is asking Brother Scott and Brother Goodman for a blessing. He has been sick for quite some time and just can't seem to get well. I asked Brother Goodman how Barbara was and he said this was her worst day ever, so far for this surgery. Oh dear. I am so sad for my friend.

I went on to the post office and got the mail. There were no books for me but James's father's day present and our new checks were there. The Grill Daddy cleaner for bbq grills was a little disappointing. It looked wimpy and cheapy. We got to reading about it and it is a steam cleaner. You turn your grill on and get it hot and then you fill the Grill Daddy with water and it steam cleans the grill. We shall see how this thing works before making any further comments. 

James went this afternoon to get some materials to start building the fence for Luna's pasture. Anthony is coming over in the morning to help him. When he took Luna out on her ride this evening he said there was a big rock sticking up out of the ground and she was afraid of it. When he insisted she get near it she started bucking. Finally he made her get close. When she could see it was a rock and not an animal, she was fine.

Trina and the kids made it back from their trip. Lola got her Barbie's and was very happy with them. Trina sent me this picture.

Harold and Vickie's Family

James repairing a book for me

 Max's Birthday Celebration

Monday, June 9th, 2020

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

71st operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

2 Nephi 10:14

For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 8 with James; Sunday journal; "Don't Miss This"

April General Conference

"The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Ulisses Soares

" In the evening of September 21, 1823, three and a half years after experiencing the First Vision, Joseph was visited three times by the angel Moroni, the last prophet of the Nephites in ancient America, as a result of his sincere prayers. During their visits that lasted through the night, Moroni told Joseph that God had a marvelous work for him to accomplish - the translation and publication to the world of the inspired words of ancient prophets of the American continent. The next day, Joseph went to the place, not far from his home, where the plates were buried by Moroni at the end of his life, centuries earlier. There Joseph saw Moroni again, who instructed him to prepare himself to receive the plates in the future."

"To Draw Closer to God"

Henry B. Eyring

April 1991

Lambson Study Group

"Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done"

Elder Robert D. Hales

October 2011

I received many blessings from the Lord today. I am grateful to have a husband who is so helpful and supportive. Today we picked up a crib at the Campbell's and took it to Tanna and her boyfriend. 

Tanna was most appreciative. I told her what Candi said: "I'm glad it could go to a good home." I also told her that Candi is having cancer surgery tomorrow and asked Tanna if she would pray for her. She said she would. 

Candi is an interesting person. She doesn't always come to church and I'm not sure how well she understands the gospel because she won't let her daughter Jasmine do baptisms for the dead because she doesn't want to force anyone to join our church. Although she may not understand the gospel completely, she does understand about service. She delivers meals for the Salvation Army on Sundays, she was instrumental in making 400 masks for the White River Hospital. She is in charge of feeding the missionaries and feeds them herself, along with the Vernon firemen. I have grown to love and appreciate her for her good heart. 

After picking up the crib from the Campbell's we took it to Tanna's. She was not home from work but her boyfriend was there and he thanked us. James told him if he needed any help cleaning up that he could get a crew to come over and help. 

I am grateful that we had the opportunity to be a part of this exchange between the Campbell's and Tanna. I am grateful for James for going with me and transporting the crib. 

We also went to the Wilhelm's and gave Johnny his CTR ring. It barely fit and I offered to take it back and get a bigger one but he said no he wanted to keep it. He loves it. It did my heart good to see his face when he put it on. 

Paypal is not my pal. I had to provide documentation to prove James really is who he says he is. It took several tries but finally downloaded his drivers license. I needed one more document, a tax return. It would not download. I finally sent a message for help but have not heard from them yet. 

I made a trip to the post office today. I mailed a merchant fulfilled book, "Arriba", and picked up several more books. I bought three books today and I am getting a shipment of books ready to be sent to Amazon. 

I also caught up on my blog. My heart is filled with gratitude when I consider the many blessings I have been given in my life. Writing in my blog is a reminder of those blessings. Monday is always a good day because we get to hear from our missionary. I am so grateful for his testimony and the service he is giving.

James and I watched episode 2 of season 4 of "Lark Rise to Candleford" before going to bed.