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.

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Matthew 27:11

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? and Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 27:1-22 with James; Sunday journal, study guide, Sunday on Monday podcast

Family Group Study

"Love and Law" Dallin H. Oaks, October 2009

April General Conference

"A Perfect Brightness of Hope"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Speaking of Jesus, had we lived in those first years of the 19th century, we would have realized with great alarm that doubts about the reality of the Savior's life and Resurrection were beginning to take significant hold within Christendom. Therefore, we would have hoped for evidence to come to the whole world that would confirm the biblical witness that Jesus is the Christ, the literal Son of God, Alpha and Omega, and the only Savior this world will ever know. 

It would have been among our dearest hopes that other scriptural evidence be brought forward, something that could constitute another testament of Jesus Christ, enlarging and enhancing our knowledge of His miraculous birth, wondrous ministry, atoning sacrifice, and glorious Resurrection. Truly such a document would be "righteousness sent down out of heaven; and truth sent forth out of the earth."

"Full Conversion Brings Happiness"
Elder Richard G. Scott
April 2002

I am grateful for friends, family, and modern conveniences.

James started out this morning for Payson and then the valley in Tom Howard's truck. After less than an hour he called me and said the truck was not running right and could I pick him up at the Howard's in about 20 minutes. I said I could. 

When I got to the Howard's, James was not there yet. Tom was out in the yard so I spoke with him. I think he thought I was there to see Jean but it was only 7:30 in the morning. I told him I was there to pick up James because he was having problems with the truck. Tom told me to go in the house and visit with Jean but I was not dressed appropriately for a visit. I tried calling Jean but she didn't answer. She called me back later and we were going to go to Persnikkity's for lunch but Jean said she had a doctor's appointment. 

When James and I got home Alex was up sitting on the couch. He was anxious to go find the snake. He and James went outside and Alex carried the snake away in a bucket. He did not want to kill it. When he came back he found another snake. I wanted him to kill it but again he carried it off in a bucket. This picture says it all:

This picture makes my skin crawl

I was determined to get my 15,000 steps today. I walked almost all of the 15,000 in my bedroom while working on my blog and trying to buy books. I am concerned that I have been through three pages of books and have only found one to buy. Amazon is selling books cheap Prime keeping FBA sellers from making any profit. I'm not sure why. My balance right now is $796.30 but I am looking to the future and I am a little concerned.

James got Armando to pick up the fixtures in Payson and take them to the valley. He is still trying to decide when he needs to go down and meet with subcontractor's. I told him to hold off until next week because Darrel and Trina are coming tomorrow. Addy texted me and told me she could hardly wait. I said I felt the same way and for her to text me when they left. She said it would be in the morning and she would. 

James and Chuck had a meeting about the road. It is probably going to cost us $5,000 a piece by the time we finish grading it and get the cinders down. Everything is so expensive. We still have the Razr to fix too which will probably cost around $3,000 and a fence to build, another $3,000. Oh yes, we also have a horse to feed.

I made chili this afternoon using leftover taco meat and Bush beans. I added a can of tomato soup. James loved it. He spent time with the boys this evening. First they played Hearts. It was Max's first time and he actually ran them once. Alex won.

James also took them out to look for coyotes but they had no success. The last great even was going to Anthony's to look for planets through his telescope. No planets were out this evening but they did see a meteor. 

I worked on my budget and did some gospel studying but for some reason I did not feel well this evening. I ended up going to bed at 8:30.

 Next move: The DIY network with her

own show

 My friend Paula walks at Woodland Lake almost

everyday. I am dying to go there. They have

a walking path around the lake.

So true!

 Playing Hearts with G-pa

 "I want some food mama"

Thursday, May 14th, 2020

Orlando, Florida

46th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Oct 1994

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ, King

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 21; James; Sunday journal, study guide, Sunday on Monday podcast - guest Brady McKay and his wife, a former "drug policeman" in Asia - great stories of faith!"

Inklings

...young Joseph Smith...had questions regarding the salvation of his soul and trusted that God would direct him; "Spiritually Defining Memories: Andersen; James 1:5-6 & 17

Restoration

Church History in the Fulness of Times Chapter 16: "Missouri Persecutions and Expulsions

April General Conference

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Laudy Ruth Kaouk

"I feel blessed to have a worthy father who can provide priesthood blessings whenever I need them and who helps me to see my strengths and eternal potential, just as Lehi did when he blessed his children."

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Enzo Serge Peteio

"The priesthood is the authority to administer the ordinances and covenants of the Savior's gospel to those who are worthy to receive them. Through these priesthood ordinances and sacred covenants come the full blessings of the Savior's Atonement, which helps us achieve our divine destiny."

"He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

April 2016

"Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets"

Elder Robert D. Hales

Positive Affirmations: "I am strong, in control, and patient. (Or so I tell myself).

I fixed James a big breakfast this morning before he left for the valley. Sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and toast with jam. Everything was yummy except for the bacon and sausage. I got Farmland brand because I usually like their bacon but not today. I will probably throw the rest out and the same goes for the sausage which had way too much fast. James did eat the Jimmy Dean regular sausage. It is a little spicy, I wanted mild but couldn't find any.

While James ate I read to him from the Book of Mormon and then we had family prayer. I always say family prayer in the mornings and James says it at night.

Before James left he announced that the car mouse had eaten the bait but did not get caught. He did catch one the other day. It gives me the creeps to think that when I get in my car a mouse could crawl up my pant leg!

After James left I cleaned the kitchen and did the weekly clean of our bedroom and bathroom except for changing our sheets because James had already made the bed before I could grab the sheets. I guess I will have to change them tomorrow.

I did not feel well this afternoon. I had one Tramadol this morning, the last one that James found yesterday. I had no energy and an upset stomach with a potty run every few minutes. I did manage to go out and feed Luna her lunch. 

No book sales today. We did get a message that $487.65 was being sent to our account today and another $675.63 on May 28th. One of my best months, if not the best, ever. I began today entering all of the books I have sold since January 2019. My first book was "Heidi Grows Up" and I made a profit of $12. James is going to do my taxes for me but I need to gather the information for him. 

We got an inspirational message today from Brother Grapp a member of our bishopric. Since he is over the Primary he shared a story that young children could understand. He is such a good and kind man, and I am grateful he is a member of our bishopric.

This afternoon I ran off some lesson helps from The Redheaded Hostess website for this week's "Come Follow Me" message. 

I am doing this for the Grapp family since I am Cammie's ministering sister and I am not sure if she thinks it might still be too early for me to visit. 

It was after three before James left the job and headed for home. He stopped at Burger House and picked up some green chili burros and a bean burro. I do love their bean burros as well as the green chili. James likes the mixed green burros. He also went to Walmart to pick up my Tramadol and some Skinny Cows and the raspberry dark chocolate bars that he likes. He was home at 7:30 and the first thing he did was go out and feed his baby, Luna.

He took a shower and then we watched our episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford."

Lark Rise to Candleford

Season 2 Episode 4

The residents of Lark Rise and Candleford are experiencing more and more changes, and the old ways are receding faster than some like. When an accident happens on the path joining Lark Rise with Candleford, Dorcas Lane and James Dowland clash once again.

Quotes

Laura: 

"It had taken many months for Miss Ellison to secure an invitation to the rectory for a humble postman no matter how ever devout. Miss Margaret had been praying that her father would make Thomas Brown feel welcome, but families have a habit of never quite behaving as to plan.( Her father is lying dead on the floor).

Trina's post. When I saw it I added
blueberries to my shopping list.

 This is an app. The photos change as you
change the date.

James forgot his charger and these important
papers when he left for the valley today.

This girl is so funny!

The Smith farm house at the edge of the
Sacred Grove.

Our friend took this photo near the Salt River
in the valley.

Coal Mine Canyon in Arizona

Friday, February 21st, 2020

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 29:11

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 23-24

23- The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming - It will be a day of wrath and vengeance - Babylon (the world) will fall forever - Compare Isaiah 13.

24- Israel will be gathered and will enjoy millennial rest - Lucifer was cast out of heaven for rebellion - Israel will triumph over Babylon (the world) - Compare Isaiah 14.

"Your Great Adventure"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The third thing we strive to master in this journey is to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and not be ashamed of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. We do not hide our faith. We do not bury it. To the contrary, we talk about our journey with others in normal and natural ways. That's what friends do - they talk about things that are important to them. Things that are close to their heart and make a difference to them. That's what you do. You tell your stories and experiences as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Whenever you think you've got troubles, consider this prayer of an LDS woman in Paraguay:

"In 1987, the Pilcomayo River in Paraguay flooded, twice, wiping out homes, farms, livestock, and the chapel of a group of Latter-day Saints living near its banks. They were in knee-deep water for over a month and relocated twice. Eventually, Elder Ted E. Brewerton of the Seventy was dispatched with a rescue party to try to help. He found their situation bleak but their faces peaceful. That evening at the branch meeting a sister offered a prayer Elder Brewerton will always remember. She said, 'Father, we have lost our beautiful chapel, we have lost our clothing, we no longer have homes. ... we don't have any materials to build anything., we have to walk ten kilometers to get a drink of dirty river water and we don't have a bucket. But we desire to express to thee our gratitude for our good health, for our happiness, and for our Church membership. Father, we want thee to know that under any conditions, we will be true, strong, and faithful to the covenants we made to thee when we were baptized.'" (p. 182, "Live Up To Our Privileges")

This made me stop and think...do I really have anything to complain about?

It was cloudy most of the day today and it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. James was so excited about getting his smaller Cat to run that he went outside and was gone for a couple of hours. I couldn't hear the Cat running and wondered where he was. I texted him but then remembered he can't hear texts with his phone right now. Soon he came in and I asked him where he had been. He said he had been down working on the road when the Cat died and he couldn't get it started. He finally got it started again but decided to bring it home. Now it's parking right out next to the driveway where I can see it whenever I look out the kitchen window. 

I worked on my book business for much of the day today. Since I got my shipment sent off yesterday I started out by buying my 3 daily books. It took much longer than usual. Sometimes they are easy to find, and other times it takes forever. I also went through some old inventory sheets and discovered I had sold most of the books on that particular sheet. I also began to inventory the new books I have. My goal is to order fifteen books a week and turn around and send off 15 books a week.

I called Discover Student Loans again today. Jared Ammon has not contacted them. I told them I thought it was highly unfair that they are keeping my money until they get permission from my grandson to send it to me. He has nothing to do with that money. The poor guy I was talking to didn't know what to say. I think he was new.

When I got off the phone with Discover I texted Stacy and she did a screen shot of my text and sent it to Jared Ammon. She also said she would talk to him. I will give him a few more days and then call Discover again. If he hasn't contacted them I am going to ask them what they are going to do. I will not give up on this.

 This evening I studied "Come Follow Me", finishing my notes on 2 Nephi 23. James wanted to watch a movie and I said okay but that would mean we couldn't watch one tomorrow night because I would need to catch up on my studies before Sunday. 

We watched the latest installment of Picture Perfect Mysteries starring Carlos and Alexa Penavega. The name of this episode was "Dead Over Diamonds." I liked it. James is waiting for the next Jill Wagner mystery. They showed a clip and he said, "Let's watch that."

 Elk fawn. Mama elk looks like a horse

 If Lola is anything, she's cool!

 Some of my Young Women: 

Alice, Trenda, Shelly, and Jordyn

 I promised I cropped this picture.

My computer is loco!

Any idea where this is Jared?

 I cropped this one too but I don't want to go

back and do it again because my computer

keeps freezing up.

So cute. I love this!

Sheri's a day after her birthday celebration!

 Shayna and Alex took her to her favorite

restaurant, LGO (LeGrande Orange)

in Phoenix

 45 turns into 54

Michael and Joe singing "Dream"

by the Everly Brothers