Tuesday, August 20th, 2019

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Foreordained

3 Nephi 9:15

Behold, I a Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified  His name. 

Book of Mormon

Alma 53:1-17

New Testament "Be Perfectly Joined Together" 1 Cor 1-7

1 Corinthians 2

General Conference

Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness

Sharon Eubank

"What is the key to reconnecting to the power of Jesus Christ when we are flickering? President Russell M. Nelson said it very simply: 'The key is to make and keep sacred covenants. ... It is not a complicated way.' Make Christ the center of your life."

I love this quote by President Dallin H. Oaks:

"The things of God ... are spiritually discerned. Gospel truth and testimony are received from the Holy Ghost through reverent personal study and quiet contemplation."

James left for the valley in Lexy this morning. He is going down to see how Armando did on the concrete pour for Chacon and to have some meetings with the job at Montessori and to finish up at Stacy's. He still has some work to do on the door to Jared Ammon's room.

I had a leisurely morning doing whatever I felt like. Here are some of the things I did: I finished the Aunt Dimity Detective book and started Aunt Dimity's Death. This is the first book in the series and I should have read it before the detective book. I listened to the book webinar done by Kathy and Kris, a couple of workhorse fireballs and great mentors!

I sold some books and figured how much money I made. I spoke with Laura on the phone and found out about her progress towards getting on a list for a lung transplant. It's always a joy to talk with Laura. I texted with my cousin Rita as she sent me a birthday wish and I told her I was heartbroken about Randy. She says she doesn't want to lose her little brother. I told her I was praying for her entire family.

I received a birthday card from Sheri, Ian, and their boys with the sweetest messages ever! I finished cleaning upstairs before Alex arrived. I did some walking and watched the Alton Brown Chopped Challenge, the first 4 rounds involving 16 contestants.

It started to rain around 3:30 and rained for over an hour. Alex got here just as it was ending. He went for a walk after unpacking and putting his things away. I walked a little outside on the front porch in perfect weather.

James got home around 9 and brought me a box of cherry Dilly bars. He also brought a box of chocolate Dilly bars too.

Alex and James talked and prepared for tomorrows early morning trip to the Black River. It's a good thing Alex is organized. He texted me a map as to where they would be tomorrow in case anything happened with the truck.

Ben's missionary letter

 Our little ASU girl!

 Charlie loves books!

Best book day so far!

 Beauty after the rain

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Happy 7th Birthday to Rowan!!

I love this boy!!

I was up at 4:25am to get ready for the temple.  We are meeting at the Church by 5:30.  I have to take the mattress out of the back of my car and put the seats up.  Trenda and Hope ride with me.  Hope spent the night at Trenda's house.  This is only the second time that Hope has been to the temple.  We have seven young women, LeeAnn, Kilee, Hope, Maddie, Trenda, Shelly, and Jordyn, and one young adult, Mary Swift that go with us.  There were only four boys, Westin, Tyler, Talon, and Jace.  

My assignment is to be in the confirmation room with the girls.  Mel Wilhelm, Sean Hunsaker and Phil Duggins do the confirmations.  Diana Curtis handed out towels and Ruth Wilhelm stayed in the dressing room.  Here is a couple of pictures of some of our youth.  

Mary, Kilee, Maddie, LeeAnn, Trenda, and Hope.

Mary, Westin, Kilee, Maddie, LeeAnn, Jordyn, Shelly,

Trenda, and Hope.

After the temple we went to El Cupido's for lunch.  On the way over there was a guy working in his yard and LeeAnn let out a loud wolf whistle.  The guy responded and the girls got such a kick out of it.  LeeAnn can really whistle.  I am going to remember that for future reference.  I bought Maddie and LeeAnn lunch and they ride home with me.  

When I get back to the cabin everyone, including James, is enjoying the brunch that Brian and Kim made.  Brian, Kim, Joe, and Alex go on a Razr ride and get splattered with mud.  We really do need those mud flaps that James ordered.  

Alex and Joe have a confession to make.  They tell us a sad tale of something they did.  Our reaction was pretty mild compared to what it could have been.  I told them both I loved them, but I was sorry that I didn't trust them and it would take them awhile to earn back that trust.  They both gave us a hug and I think they were relieved we didn't yell at them.

Kim and I visit and play Five Crowns.  Stacy calls, she says Cody has been in trouble and she's afraid that Dallin is following in his footsteps.  Bunny went to the temple and put their names on the prayer roll.  What is happening to our grandchildren?  

Brian buys some gas for the Razr and Kim takes Alex and Joe on a ride to Christmas Tree Trail.  Just like James and I were, she is sad they have cut down so many of the little trees.  It's hardly recognizable as Christmas Tree Trail anymore.  

Brian cooks burgers for dinner.  I make some lemon brownies.  James has some of our left over chicken as he didn't want a burger.  

It rains tonight and the skies are gorgeous.  Kim, Brian, James and I can't take enough pictures.  There is a beautiful view every way that we turn!

I took several more pictures but these are the best.

I called Rowan to wish him a happy birthday and Darrel informed me that Trina's mom took Rowan shopping and bought him the same thing I did.  Now I have to get something else or give him some money.  I was pretty disappointed.  

Brian won our Five Crown game when everyone except Alex played.