Monday, March 31, 2014

My morning sky

Gospel Study

Conference Goals

"Claim the Blessings of Your Covenants"

Linda S. Reeves

1.  Give away all of my sins so I can be washed clean and feel the redeeming love of the Savior.

2.  Make a list of my covenants and review them each week.

3.  Repent and feel the cleansing power of the Atonement.

4.  Make my prayers more powerful and meaningful.

5.  Remember, after much tribulations come the blessings.

D&C 58:3-4.

6.  Feel the love of the Lord more deeply.

7.  Receive personal revelation.

8.  Understand my temple covenants better.

9.  Have my burdens lightened.

10. Ask: "Is this what the Lord wants me to think about myself or is the devil trying to beat me down?"

"You Never Walk Alone"

President Thomas S. Monson

1.  Make prayer an anchor in my life, a constant source of strength and peace.

2.  Trust in the Lord.

3.  Feast upon the scriptures.

4.  Listen to promptings, they may be an answer to someone's prayers.

James and I both got a text from Jared.  He is signing papers today to buy the practice in El Paso.   Everything is final tomorrow.  Good job Jared.  We are proud of you.

James and I had prayer together before he left for the valley.  He did call and let me know that he arrived safely.

After my morning gospel study I got dressed and went into town.  Today is the 15 year anniversary of my mother's death and I wanted to take some flowers to her grave.  Before leaving I loaded a shovel and water into the back of my car.  My first stop was the post office in Vernon.  We received the check we've been waiting for so I will need to stop at the bank and make a deposit.  

My first stop in Show Low was at Center Tire.  When I asked if they had time to change my oil this morning Mark said the wait would be at least an hour and a half.  I didn't think it would take me that long to eat lunch at Persnikkity's so I said I would come back later.  

I saw Mel and Ruth Wilhelm when I was making my deposit at Chase bank.  On the way to Walmart I decided to get my car serviced there.  That way I could have lunch at McDonald's and then do a little shopping.  Walmart also said it would take over an hour and that they would call me over the intercom when they were finished. 

Kip, Alicia, MaKenzi, LeeAnn,

Hailey, and Colter Hunsaker.

Vernon ward friends.

I had the new artisan burger at McDonald's and I must say it was quite delicious!  While I was shopping I saw Linda Price and visited with her for a few minutes. After I'd been there about 30 minutes I got a phone call from James saying my car was ready.  I said: "How do you know?"  They had been calling my name over the intercom and Brother Price heard it and called James.  Well, my car wasn't finished, they just needed my tire lock.  I finished my shopping, picked up my car and left Walmart for Home Depot to get some flowers or a plant.  I ended up buying four lily plants, two for Mom's grave and two to plant at home.

 Lots of lily blossoms just 

waiting to pop open!

Took a picture of this tree in the Home Depot parking lot.
I wonder what kind it is.

As I was planting the two plants by the side of Mom's grave I told her how much I missed her and was looking forward to seeing her again.  I am so glad that I took the time to do this today.  I love my Mom and miss her so much still.

One thing I was concerned about was that the concrete was flaking and breaking off one side of the slab James poured.  When I told him he said he was afraid that might happen because it froze the night after the slab was poured.  

Back at home I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing the April family letter and sending it off.  I felt good after I was finished.

 Who does this remind you of?

   

Sunday, March 30, 2014

I love this quote!

Gospel Study

Today I wrote from memory the first two sentences of The Family Proclamation:

"We, the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All Human Beings - male and female - are created in the image of God."

I also memorized the first two sentences from The Living Christ:

"As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.  None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth."

I also memorized the first line of Joseph's testimony of the First Vision:

"I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me, ..

I wrote my testimony in my Testimony journal. 

I also wrote a letter to my family, I do this monthly, encouraging them to keep the commandments.

As I was working on the family letter this morning I realized it was too long so as I was getting ready for Church I began devising another idea in my head.  I would break the letter down; Parents, Young Adults, Young Men and Young Women, Primary baptized, Preparing for baptism, and Jr. Primary.  After my meetings, breaking our fast, lunch, and a short nap I went to work on a new letter.  Here again I only had an hour to work before I had to stop and get ready for Book of Mormon class.  James wanted me to go with him and it's one of my goals as a way to fellowship new members, and investigators, so I had to stop again.  

Speaking of family, here is a picture

of Marvin Johnson with his kids.

We left the Book of Mormon class early so I could take James home and be back at the Church by 5:30 to pick up and take Shelly Applegate and Haily Lootans to the youth camp leaders camp meeting at the stake center.  During the meeting I got a call from President VanWinkle asking me if I would speak in stake conference on Easter Sunday.  The topic: "How I Come unto Christ and how I help my family Come Unto Christ."  I am a little nervous but grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony of the importance of coming unto Christ. 

I got home after 8pm.  I had a snack and went to bed with my sweetie who is leaving for the valley early in the morning.

I forgot to mention that during the third our of our meetings today the bishopric spoke to us on the importance of strengthening families.  It was really good.  Afterwards I had James get a Family Guidebook from Bishop Hall.

 Looking at this peaceful setting in England should help me to have good thoughts as I sleep tonight.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Hunyad Castle, Transylvania, Romania 

Gospel Study

"How Can I Sin and Do This Great Wickedness"

OT-SSL# 11 Genesis 34; 37-39

Purpose: To help class members 1) learn how to make all experiences and circumstances work together for our good and 2) strengthen our commitment to obey the Lord's standard of sexual morality.

Young Women

"How can the Atonement help me during my trials?"

-As part of His atoning sacrifice, the Savior took upon Himself our pains and sicknesses.  Because He has experienced our trials, He knows how to help us.  When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, He will give us strength and ease our burdens.

James says I talked in my sleep last night.  When I asked what I said this was his response: "You lifted your arm in the air and said excitedly, 'I got it'!  When I asked what you had gotten you said: 'The Mickey Mouse label!'"  I do remember one of the women yesterday whose scrub top had Mickey Mouse on it.  I wonder if that's what triggered my dream.  Oh dear, where is my mind.

 Philippines Temple.

Can you see the protective bubble around it?

Today was our day to go to the temple but it was closed for cleaning.  We like to go the Saturday before fast Sunday.  We start our fast around 1pm and then leave for the temple around 2:15 in time to make it to the 3:30 session.  We have made plans instead to go to the Gilbert temple this coming Thursday with Kim and hopefully Sheri.  

James made what I call a big breakfast this morning, hashbrowns, eggs, green chilies and sausage.  I made egg salad sandwiches for lunch so we got our weeks supply of eggs.  We started our fast around 12:30.  We are fasting for family members.

I made cookies for the Howard family funeral and James delivered them to the Church.  We both decided we like white chocolate macadamian nut cookies.

In my efforts to gather histories of my family I found the talk Aunt Gene gave at my Dad's funeral which I will use for his life story.  I also found some life histories of my grandpa Maxwell's siblings but not his history so I need to call Rita, my cousin, and see if she can help me.  I am doing these life histories for Jenifer's kids but I think I'm going to give them to my kids and grandkids too.  

Troy Meadows, New Jersey

Tonight was the first ever Primary eight and older, Young Women's and women's broadcast.  They are calling it the General Women's Broadcast.  I taped it and watched it hear at home.  I love the stories and pictures of the young girls.  The 12 year old Beehive who gave the opening prayer gave one of the best prayers I've ever heard by a girl that age.  It was an inspirational meeting.

James and I watched the season finale of "When Calls the Heart."  We will anxiously await season two.

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Hunsaker family

on their cruise.
 
Gospel Study
General Relief Society Meeting
October, 2013
"The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping"
Linda K. Burton
1.  Bind myself to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through my covenants.  It is an expression of my love for them.
2.  Show my gratitude for the Atonement by keeping my covenants.
3.  My covenants should remind me to live, think, and act in a certain way.
4.  I will go where, say, and be what the Lord wants me to be.
5.  Be strengthened, empowered, and protected by my covenants. (1 Nephi 14:14).
6.  Have the courage and strength to bear others' burdens.
7.  Encourage family members to pray for each other.
8.  Encourage my family to keep their covenants.
9.  Teach children to keep simple promises in preparation for baptism.
10. Help my children establish the goal of having a Christ-centered home where love abounds and covenants are kept.
11.  Use Sister Burton's list (p. 113) for FHE discussions.
12. Remember keeping covenants is essential for true happiness.
13. Covenant keepers are commandment keepers.
14. Rejoice in the privilege of taking the sacrament.
15. Remind family: Always remember the Savior, always keep the Sabbath day holy, always have family prayer and scripture study and FHE.
16. Teach that ordinances and covenants are spiritual milestones.
17. Realize and be grateful for the blessings I receive because of the redemption of Jesus Christ.
18. Am I prepared for this question from the Savior on judgment day: "Did you love me?" (John 14:21)
"We Have Great Reason to Rejoice"
Carole M. Stephens
1.  Write notes praising others - express gratitude.
2.  Keep covenants daily by being kind and showing love.
3.  Teach others what the Holy Ghost feels like so they can recognize his influence in their lives.
4.  Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ with perfect love for God and others.
5.  Strengthen others with my testimony.
6. Strengthen my ward through reaching out and serving others.
7.  Exercise faith regarding missionary work.
8.  Pray each day to know who needs my help.
9.  Act on promptings I receive.
10. In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.

I was hoping when I woke up this morning the swelling in my hand would have gone down, but it had not.  I woke up at my usual time and did my gospel study.  When James got up we discussed what we should do about my hand.  In the family prayer I offered I asked the Lord to let us know what to do.  We wanted to exercise faith in the blessing James gave me so we weren't sure we should seek medical help.  We prayed that if we weren't to seek medical attention we would know because the swelling in my hand would go down.  If within an hour we saw no improvement we would go to the emergency room.  Also, James called Dr. Moffat on his cell phone.  (He's the only doctor I've ever known who gives his cell phone number to his patients).  He is out of town but when he saw the picture of my hand he said I needed to go immediately to the hospital emergency room.  He said hand infections can be a nightmare.  

In one hour my hand was no better so we made the trek to the ER. The physicians assistant who saw me ordered bloodwork, an xray, and an ultrasound.  Bloodwork to check for an infection and to check my sedrate.  The ultrasound to check for a blood clot.  

Alpine view, Salzburg, Austria.

(Serenity now!)

The final diagnosis was cellulitis.  They gave me Benadryl via a drip to stop the itching and an infusion of an antibiotic and sent me home with a prescription for Kflex.  The final blow was when they had to cut my wedding ring off.  It's interesting in the report they wrote up they said it was my right hand.  Who wears their wedding ring on their right hand?  It was my left hand!

James stayed with me the entire time.  When I was released all we could think about was getting something to eat, so we headed for LaCasita for lunch and a visit with our favorite waitress, Charlotte.  After lunch I did a little shopping at Walmart.  On the way home I read to James from The Book Thief.  

At home after putting the groceries away I worked on my blog.  James has had to sign him and Lloyd up for dust control classes for this Camden Apartment job.  So many regulations.

We had razzleberry pie for dinner and watched Person of Interest (James did) before going to bed.  Maybe this picture will help me to have good dreams.

Turquoise Lake, Sierra Nevada, California.

The swelling in my hand has gone down significantly!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Pacific Coast Highway,

Oregon

Gospel Study

"Decisions for Eternity"

Russell M. Nelson

1.  What decisions am I making that will affect me for eternity.  How can I do better?

2.  Remember that I am a child of God.

3.  Love God with all my heart and soul.

4.  Love my neighbors as I love my family.

5.  Give thanks for my body and my spirit.

6.  Humble myself so the Lord can make my weak things become strong.

7.  Am I prepared to meet God?

8.  See my body as my temple.

9.  How I use my body effect my spirit.  

10. Care for my body.

11. Develop spiritual attributes. - Bravery, courage, integrity of heart, thirst for truth, hunger for wisdom, and a desire to serve.  Self-mastery builds a strong conscience and conscience determines moral responses in difficult situations.

12. Fast to intensify my prayers.

13. Control my appetites.

14. Change my desires through the enabling power of the Atonement.  I access this power by keeping His commandments exactly.

15. Remember Decisions Determine Destiny.

"Till We Meet Again"

President Thomas S. Monson

1.  Fill my home with love, courtesy, and the Spirit of the Lord.

2.  Constantly nourish my testimony.

3.  Show increased kindness.

4.  Pray for Church leaders.

5.  Ever be found doing the work of the Lord.

I am looking forward to my next infusion of Remicade on Friday, April 4th.  Hopefully it will help with the pain in my knees.  

I have set a goal of emptying one box a day from the basement.  Today in the box I unloaded I found the history of my Mom that I began writing before her death as I interviewed her.  I ended up giving this history at her funeral.  I think I was prompted to pick this particular box.

 

Family History tree found

in the April Ensign.

This afternoon I worked on my budget and menu plans, and I called to talk to Laura about her diagnosis.  Dave had told James she had cystic fibrosis.  Laura says it's called Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  She has only 53% lung capacity and a cough that won't allow her to go to the temple.  I told her I would pray that she would get the cough under control so she could go to the temple.

James decided to come home today.  He got here around 5pm.  He said he wasn't hungry but he kept looking in the refrigerator and cupboard, so I began making dinner.  I made some cauliflower gratin, a recipe I got on Facebook.  It took about 30 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.  It was tasty, but not sure how healthy because of the milk and cheese.

While I was fixing dinner my left hand started itching and swelling.  

I'm not the only one who had hand problems today.

Max sprained his fingers in

football practice today.

James and I watched The Mentalist and Castle.  When we got ready to go to bed James wanted to take me to ER.  When I refused, he sent a picture to Darrel and Trina.  They both thought I should go. I asked James to give me a blessing and if my hand wasn't better, I would go tomorrow.

The blessing brought me comfort and helped me relax and get a good night's sleep.

 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014ags.

If I can't get a sunrise, I'll take a

sunset on a tropical beach.

Gospel Study

"Look Up"

Elder Adrian Ochoa

1.  By their fruits ye shall know them.  What are my fruits?

2.  Nourish my faith and testimony with the word of God.

3.  Remain constantly worthy of the Spirit.

4.  Know for myself that the Savior has forgiven my sins.  This makes me happy.

5.  Know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that Christ is my Redeemer.

6.  Cherish and strengthen my testimony.

"Drawing Closer to God"

Elder Terence M. Vinson

1.  How does my behavior and actions reflect the integrity of my intent? (Spending and Eating)

2.  Make God the center of my life.

3.  Keep His commandments, always remember Him.

4.  Develop the faith that will help me rely on the Lord in solving my problems.

5.  Feel the Lord's love in my life.

6.  Align my will with the Savior's.

7.  Give the Savior my heart.

8.  Truly love Him and feel of His love for me.

I love my lavender smelling trash bags.  James keeps calling me for help with the printer.  It's so frustrating because I'm not able to help him.

I love my new Shark floor cleaner.  My floors should always looke good.  I will clean them, and then polish them.

 

The Voice again today.  In my humble opinion they have a better format than American Idol.  

I worked on cleaning out and organizing my Young Women's notebook this afternoon.  I also went through my Sunday journal to determine which girls have given talks in sacrament meeting.  I'm still a little miffed that I couldn't find when Trenda was called as Mia Maid class secretary.  

 Tinago Falls, Iligan, Philippines

I left the house before 5pm to visit teach Barbie Shumaker.  I really liked her!  She has rescued 46 dogs in the 15 years she's lived in Vernon.  She's been happily married for 37 years and her mother lives in Snowflake.  They scrapbook together once a week.  My visit was short but informative and then I had to leave in order to make it to Young Women's board meeting at 5:30.  

Diana, Analee, and I were the only leaders at board meeting.  I guess that's because of spring break.  Shelly and Jordyn were the only young women, but we had a good meeting and did some planning in spite of our numbers.

Maddie was the only other young woman who came to Mutual.  She brought her baby sister, her little sister Zonie, and Kyah her cousin.  We tried to study and memorize the sacrament prayers which is part of Divine Nature VE#4 but the children were a bit of a distraction.  I played Apples to Apples with the girls while Diana did some interviews.  For refreshments Diana brought delicious chocolate eclairs.  I took Addy and company home.  The elders (Russell and Oakley) helped load my car.  It was so windy!

I slept on the comfy recliner tonight.  At one point I thought I saw a guy with a baseball cap upstairs.  I almost called James and then I realized how ridiculous that was.  I have bizarre or bad dreams or I see people when James isn't here.

  

Tuesday, March 25, 2014ojnice

Ruthie Wilhelm,

James's little friend, at Rosevelt Lake

during Spring break.

Gospel Study
"Teaching with the Power and Authority of God"
David M. McConkie
1.  Listen and know when the Lord speaks to me.
2.  What would the Savior say if He were teaching today and how would He say it?
3.  Teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
4.  Live worthy to have the Spirit always.
5. Diligently prepare so I can teach so as to help others exercise their agency righteously and allow the gospel to enter their hearts.
6.  Diligently search the scriptures and treasure them up.
7.  Ask for the Lord's help.
8.  Have both the word and power of the gospel in my life. (Alma 17:2-3)
9. Listen, to the Spirit, and my students.
10. Set aside notes and go where the Spirit prompts me.
11. Stand as an independent witness of Jesus Christ.

"Continually Holding Fast" 
Kevin S. Hamilton
1.  Hold fast to the Iron Rod - Consistently read and study the words of Christ.
2.  Succor the weak.
3.  Follow Jesus Christ.
4.  Attend all my Church meetings.
5.  Learn doctrine.
6.  Press forward, feasting upon the words of Christ.
7.  Keep my covenants.
8.  Make good decisions everyday.
 

My knees hurt almost every morning when I get up.  James's sweet texts make me feel better.  After my gospel study I started stripping wax off the wood floor and was really wishing I had an easier way to clean the floor.  James gave me permission to get the Shark wood floor cleaner they have at Walmart so I made a trip to town.  Why am I still feeling a little guilty?

It was too late to use the machine tonight so I will start tomorrow.  When the cashier asked me if I wanted the warranty I said no, if I don't like how it works I will be bringing it back. When I opened the box it says: DO NOT RETURN TO STORE...Why do they do that?

Cherry blossoms, Washington, D.C.

I watched some back episodes of The Voice and decided I really do like it better than American Idol.  I love the judges: Adam Levine, Shakira, Usher, and Blake Shelton.  

Stacy was feeding all her boys and the missionaries tonight and then doing a FHE.  I wonder how it went.

Bojnice Castle, Slovakia

I went to bed before 9 . . .and I was up an hour later.  I read for awhile and then went back to bed.  My knees hurt so much so I slept on the recliner and had a bizarre dream about Darrel and James shipping small dogs in very small cages to Australia.  Where do I get this stuff?