Monday, July 27th, 2020

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Light of the World

Isaiah 60:19

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 39-42 "The Great Plan of Happiness"

Alma 39 with James

April General Conference

"Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life"

Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez

It is said that "to one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." (This statement has been attributed to Thomas Aquinas but is most likely a loose paraphrase of things he taught.) However, we have limited understanding of the things that happen here on earth, and often we do not have answers to the question of why. Why is this happening? Why is this happening to me? What am I supposed to learn? When answers evade us, that is when the words expressed by our Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail are completely applicable: 

"My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high" (DC 121:7-8)

I am in charge of the Lambson Study Group topic for this week. My topic is "Am I Saved?" I have three talks chosen but I need to listen to them before I send them out. I guess I will have to do that tomorrow because today I am traveling to the valley.

I had my infusion today and I also saw Dr. Kumar. I needed to be at the AARA at 10:00. James and I had a few minutes so we stopped at Del Taco for a snack before my appointment. I saw the doctor first, which took about five minutes then I went in for my infusion. Dr. Kumar wanted me to get a chest xray today but they were too busy so I scheduled one for next month. 

James picked me up and we went across the street to Costco to get some walnuts for him and some things for the Grapp family. I noticed the guy who went in ahead of me did not have a mask on and no one stopped him. I wore my mask most of the time I was in the store. 

We were going to go to lunch but James had something he had to take care of at the job in Mesa. The neighbor was complaining about the fence being on his property. The guy was pretty reasonable when James went over to talk to him  and James told him he would get him a copy of the surveyors report. 

Our next stop was at the LaGlorietta subdivision in Chandler where Greg Hatch hired James to do some work. James met Armando there and they determined what needed to be done because of the concrete that was under the dirt where they were going to pour a slab today. James called Greg and he said he would pay an extra $800 to take care of the extra work involved. From LaGlorietta we went to a Chase bank to deposit the check James got from Mario and then it was on to Lois and Dawn's in Tempe. 

James had a Zoom meeting with the bone doctor in Flagstaff so I brought my computer in to Lois's and set it up for him. He had the meeting but the sad thing is they had never ordered his xrays from Summit so it was all for naught. They said they would get the xrays and get back with him but he was pretty upset they had not already done that.

Lois handed me a bag with gifts in it for my birthday. She also gave me three quilts, a book to read, and a stand for my tablet or a book. She wanted to give me a plant but I declined because I am not good at keeping plants alive. She is very kind and generous.

Instead of working at Montessori where things are still up in the air because of the coronavirus, Dawn is going back to work at ASU on August 16th. She will be working online coaching teachers on how to teach.

We left Tempe and headed for home. We got into a hard rainstorm and the burnt desert smelled like charcoal when it got wet. It was raining so hard some cars were pulling off to the side of the road. 

In Payson we stopped at Culver's for some dinner. I got a butter burger and a dish of ice cream. James got a fish sandwich. There was more rain around Heber. There was no rain in Vernon but we could tell it had rained earlier in the day. We stopped at the Grapp's and gave them the stuff they ordered from Costco. Cammy gave me a check. James left some of our stuff with them so he will have to go back and get it tomorrow.

One of the things about being in the car most of the day is that I did not get all of my steps and neither did James. We walked for awhile when we got home but we were soon tired and went to bed.

 

Friday, January 4th, 2019

Bountiful, Utah

47th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Jan 1995

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ, Death of

DC 20:23

He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 3:9-31

Why do you think Sam willingly followed Nephi while Laman and Lemuel persecuted him?

New Testament

John 7:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; James 1:5-6, 22; 2:17

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"Consistent, wholesome family traditions that include prayer, scripture reading, family home evening, and attendance at Church meetings, though seemingly small and simple create a culture of love, respect, unity, and security. In the spirit that accompanies these efforts, our children become protected from the fiery darts of the adversary so embedded in the worldly culture of our day."

I got up at 3:36 this morning to take a shower. I went back to bed and James and I lay their talking, trying to decide if we were going to our appointments in the valley today. James finally said, "Yes we are. We can do hard things." We left around 5 a.m.

James drives. The hardest part is getting out of the garage because of the snow piled up in our driveway. Away we go! No stopping. We drive directly to James's appointment on Dobson just south of Frye. 

I leave the keys in the car and text him that I am walking north on Dobson Rd. My infusion appointment is at 10:30 and it's around 8:45, on Baseline and Arizona Avenue. I only walk a short ways before he picks me up and drives to the Chandler mall. The only place open is Wildflower Bakery. I ordered some lemon ricotta pancakes and James has some orange juice. I eat two of my pancakes. They are delicious. What is it with me and lemon these days?

Two of my favorites are in the infusion center, Angie who puts in my drip, and Frances who makes the appointments. I got 640 mg of Actemra. My blood pressure was 108/64. I think my walking is helping me to stay a little more healthy although my weight is up about four lbs for last month.

 At 11:30 I am finished. James is outside waiting. I drive this time to QuikTrip to check the air in our tires and to get some gas. 

Our next stop is the Olive Garden on Gilbert and Germann. I have the Ravioli di portabello:

My favorite OG dish right now.

This is what James ordered:

Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

I liked mine better.

Our waiters name was Jesse. I really liked him so he got a good tip.  

We were going to go to Darrel and Trina's just to say hi but Trina was taking the younger girls to Sodalicious and the older two were gone somewhere else. Rowan was with the Trezise's bowling.
 We said goodbye and that we would be back Monday and Tuesday, and headed home.

 Evan, Joshua, Rowan, and Max

 The winners!

Alex and Ian

I drove until we got to the Circle K in Superior. When we got out to trade places I realized what a beautiful, sunny day it is. 

Our ride was pretty uneventful until we got to the Safeway in Show Low where James stopped to get me some Dr. Pepper 10. As he was carrying it to the car he realized that it weighed more than the 5 lbs that he is supposed to be lifting. Sorry honey.

As we got to our hill in Vernon we made a running start and kept it going until we rounded the road into our driveway and garage. We almost got stuck in the driveway!

I walked and worked on my computer this evening doing my blog. I am a little sad because I have watched all the Christmas movies I had recorded, all 126 of them.

 I love Sister Hinckley!

 The Wanlass Family

Posting ideas for Valentine cards

 I took a picture of this when I was at the 

Chandler mall this morning.

My favorite temple, I couldn't resist posting

 In Arkansas at Kacey's mom's

70th birthday. Charlie loves her

brother Tanner.

Friday, June 9th, 2017

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 March 2016 by

Dallin H. Oaks

Alma 13:10-20

* High priest, king, exercised mighty faith, preached repentance, established peace, prince of peace, reigned under his father.

Who is Alma describing?

* In Alma 13:17, what words describe Melchizedek's people? How were they similar to the people of Ammonihah?

* What did Melchizedek do as the leader of his people? How did his leadership influence the people? How was this influence different from the influence of those in Ammonihah who followed the teachings of Nehor? (See Alma 8:17; 10:27, 32.)

DC 86:1-11

1-7, The Lord gives the meaning of the parable of the wheat and tares; 8-11, He explains priesthood blessings to those who are lawful heirs according to the flesh.

What lessons are we to take away from the parable of the wheat and the tares?

* The parable of the wheat and tares teaches us that the righteous and wicked will grow together until the end of the world, when the righteous will be gathered and the wicked burned.

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

Preach My Gospel states:

"Through the light of the gospel, families can resolve misunderstandings, contentions and challenges.  Families torn by discord can be healed through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Now more than ever, our families must be sources of great light to everyone around us. Families increase in light as they increase in love and kindness.  As we establish families of "faith...repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, and compassion," we will feel an increase in love towards the Savior and towards one another.  The family will grow stronger, and the light in each of us will grow brighter.

I always have a shake when I first get up before 5 a.m. so I can take my Tramadol.  Around 8 a.m. I am ready for a real breakfast.  Such was the case today.  James ask if I wanted to go to "Biscuits."  Of course I want to go to the place that has my favorite breakfast!

Just looking at this picture makes my mouth water!

James left in Lexy to run some errands.  I think he went somewhere in Phoenix.  Meantime I stayed behind and studied.  My infusion is at 10:30 in Mesa.  When James got back he drove Terry's truck to Sear's Automotive and parked it. I picked him up there and we drove to my infusion appointment in Mesa. He drove Lexy back to Sears for an oil change, and then took Terry's truck home.  It is so nice of Cathi and Terry to allow us to use their truck.  

When James picked me up around noon he was in Terry's truck.  I was hoping he wouldn't have to bring it to Mesa. 

When we got home to Cathi's, they were back from Colin's reading lesson with Dawn and were sitting down to lunch.  Colin chose corn-on-the-cob and bacon for lunch.  He has never had corn-on-the-cob before but by the way he was eating it I would say he really liked it.  I finished my Joe's Scramble from breakfast.  

We pack up and get everything in the car for the trip home and say our goodbye's to Cathi, Terry, Colin, Lady, and Indy.  Around 1:15 or so we drove over to Sears Automotive to pick up Sheri, Shayna, and Alex so Sheri can have her car serviced before leaving for San Diego in the morning.  We drove to the new Carolina's mexican food place in Mesa on Country Club just north of the 60 on the west side. Carolina's has been in Phoenix for years and some people like it so much they drive that far quite often. James and Sheri and I have been there once.  The place was packed, but the service was good.  I got a shredded beef taco, and a flour tortilla.  I tasted Sheri's refried beans and I should have gotten some to dip my tortilla in.  They were delicious!  Again, I failed to take a picture.

We dropped Alex and Shayna off at Chandler Eyecare and then took Sheri home.  We told her to have a great time in San Diego. I think it is a much needed vacation for her. 

We are on our way home! First stop, Michael's in Gilbert for a couple of fidget spinners, black one and a purple one for me! Next I had to stop at the Target on Power Rd. and the 202 for a potty break. I knew I couldn't make it to Burger House. We both ordered green chili burros and I ordered a side of refried beans.  I only ate half my burro, maybe because I was still full from lunch.  The refried beans were very tasty.  A little runny just how I like them.

I read from "The Lost Heiress" on the way home.

  

We stopped in Show Low at CVS and James ran in and got me two more fidget spinners, all this because I am not sure the ones I ordered from Amazon will be here and I don't think my Primary class can last another day.  

When we stopped at the Vernon post office I had a package from Amazon with six red, white, and blue fidget spinners!  Now I have plenty!  

When we arrived home James unloaded the car while I changed into my comfy clothes and then we put everything away before sitting down to watch a movie.  We had one interruption before the movie started.  The moon!  It was huge and golden yellow.  We just can't get a picture to do it justice.  James says he needs some filters for the camera.

It was huge!

It looked like a big orange in the sky.

We watched the latest Aurora Teagarden mystery centered around a baby.  I forgot to look at the title so I am calling it: "Bundle of Joy."

I love Yannick Bisson, the actor who plays Aurora's boyfriend. I used to watch him in "Sue Thomas, FBI."

Good advice

Here is my purse. Nothing fancy, but it is my favorite

for two reasons:

1.  It's purple!

2.  It has lots of zippered compartments for 

all of my stuff and a long shoulder strap

so I can wear it over my shoulder when I

am shopping!

Sophia Emma was born today.

Congratulations Bishop and Anne!

Lots of babies coming!

This is Bailey Ann, Patrick and Heather's

wee one.

My fidget spinner.

My collection for my Primary class

I was going to order these, but I ordered

three glow in the dark ones instead.

The Vernon youth went to the Tucson temple open house

today and then to the wind tunnel in Eloy.

I guess they had a blast.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Ether 2:1-12

Ether 2:8-11 states what Moroni called "the everlasting decree of God." (v.10) concerning this land of promise.  Stated three or four times, this decree is that "whatsoever nation shall possess this land shall serve God, or they shall be swept off" (v.9).  President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) taught that obedience is essential if the promised land is to keep its promised blessings: "Great are the promises concerning this land of America.  We are told unequivocally that it 'is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ.' (Ether 2:12).  This is the crux of the entire matter - obedience to the commandments of God." (In Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 89).  Compare Ether 2:7-12 with Nephi 1:6-10.  List the promises and the warning given to the inhabitants of America.

GC:     The Master Healer by Carole M. Stephens

"Our faith in Jesus Christ enables us to meet any challenge.  We, in fact, often find our faith deepened and our relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son refined in adversity."

For breakfast this morning I had a chocolate Slim Fast shake and a croissant.  Quite good.  James left this morning to go work at the yard.  I left for my infusion a little before ten so I could go through Sonic and get 1/2 off drink.  I got to my infusion early and this time I did not have to wait long.  My friend Francis was home with sick kids but Kahwanda was there.  She drew my blood and started my Actemra.  

I was finished before noon and met James at Discount Tire to get my tires rotated.  I read from "United We Stand."  Of course he brought it with him.  He loves me to read to him!

James wanted chicken wings for lunch.  I had told him they were in the refrigerator.  He couldn't find them.  He made this comment: "They aren't in there.  Cathi can't find them either so maybe she has man's disease too."  When I dropped my car off at Discount I looked in the back and there were the wings, along with a package of uncooked bacon and a box of Toaster Strudels.  Oh dear.  Everything was still good because the weather was so nice and cool.

I am amazed and confused by this picture.

Such talent, but really, how long is it going to last?

This afternoon I went to lunch at Zupas with Sheri, Alex, and Kim.  Kim bought my lunch in honor of the Light the World challenge.  Thanks Kim!

After lunch we went Christmas shopping at the Chandler Mall.  We went to Just Sports so Sheri could get Evan a Kansas City Chief's hat.  I guess that is his favorite football team.  Max loves the Cardinal's, Ben the Vikings, and Alex the Patriot's.

It would have been fun if Trina could have come with us but she and Darrel are taking the kids to see Santa at the North Pole set up in Williams.

Here they are in their motel room.  Rowan is so

excited that he is dancing on the bed.

I ended up getting a Harry Potter chess set for Rowan, Star Wars bionicles for Evan and Joshua and a monkey for Lola.  It is the monkey from Claire's that she loved the night Ruby and I got our ears pierced.  

James and Cocoa.

After hitting Claire's, Barnes and Noble, and a short trip to the Disney store, we were busy for the day.  I went home and took a nap with James.  

While Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura were delivering cookies around the neighborhood James and I were going to fix dinner for them.  Laura came in and mentioned she thought she saw my car at Sheri's and we suddenly realized that we had never picked up our car from Discount Tire.  It was after five when we left to pick it up and they close at six.  

We grilled steaks left from last night and I heated up mashed potatoes and green beans.  We also still had some rolls and croissants and cranberry celebration and some cheesecake for dessert.  The six of us enjoyed our dinner and visit.  Laura told us about Thanksgiving at Kevin's and how the neighbors love Kevin!

Cathi loved the green beans I made and said they were the best she had ever tasted.  I enjoyed my steak tonight more than I did the one I had last night.  It was a fun evening.  The guys did the dishes.

This is Braylin from my Primary class.

He stopped coming a couple of months ago and

I really miss him.  He is handicapped, but a voracious

reader.  I pray everyday he will come back to Primary.