Thursday, April 3, 2014

I was right!  It did snow last night.

 I love the trees with snow.

 Quick, before it melts!

 My tree.

There was 2-3 inches of snow on the ground when I got up this morning.  I had to take some pictures before it all melted.

I had my regular gospel study this morning except in place of conference talks I ran off all the talks from the General Women's Meeting so I can start reading them tomorrow.  Also, I am almost caught up on my blog!

Today's Quote

"This is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement: . . .that ar the end of our lives, we can go through the veil having repented of our sins and having been washed clean through the blood of Christ."

-Boyd K. Packer

I left the house later than planned, around 11am.  Before leaving James had me turn off both the well and the pump.  Yes, you guessed it, I'm going to the valley.  I made it to Payson where I got gas, washed my car and had some lunch.  I was pretty sleepy coming down the rim but felt revived after lunch.  By the time I got to Fountain Hills I was drowsy again so I stopped at a Circle K and got a Big Hunk bar.  It worked!  The chewing kept me awake.  Gum just doesn't work nearly as well as a Big Hunk.  I arrived in Chandler, unloaded the car and settled in for a short nap before James got home.  

We picked up Kim to go to the Gilbert temple around 4:45.  We thought we were going to the 5:30 session but sessions only start on the hour at this temple so we were the first ones seated in the chapel for the 6pm session.  Here are some of the people we saw that we know: Nancy Brimhall, Carol Tolman, and Mark Saxy who were all temple workers.  Brad Holm and John Myers were in our session.  I could have sat in that celestial room a little longer but James was anxious to go.  It was a wonderful way to spend the evening!

Since Kim has work tomorrow we took her home and then we went to Chili's to get something to eat.  I had the tilapia with mango salsa, broccoli and rice.  It was perfect, not too heavy but very tasty.

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Japanese squirrel.

Love the big eyes!

It's 4am and the wind is howling!  My weather app first said 60% chance of rain today.  It doesn't look like rain outside at all, hardly any clouds, and now it says snow.  The wind howled all day and it stayed in the 40's most of the day.  Maybe a storm is blowing in and will arrive after dark.

 Quote for the day

"As you keep your covenants you draw upon priesthood power to bless your home and family."

-Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson

New Era, April 2014, p. 10-11.

 Mr. Joshua in a Superman shirt.

I wanted to watch the movie Austenland while I was cleaning the wood floors today.  At first I couldn't get the input button to work on the remote.  I finally went to the top of the TV button and got on HDMI3 the place where I am supposed to be able to watch movies from my VCR.  All I got was fuzzy, irritation audio.  That's when I figured it was the 3-pronged cord from the VCR to the TV.  I called Vickie to see if I could get some new remotes. I told her my problem and she said I could pick up some new remotes at the office tomorrow on my way to the valley.  Then she called back and said she and Harold were on their way out.  I did need a new 3-pronged cord and Vickie brought one.  When Harold came in from walking his dogs we had to move the TV off the wall and set in on the floor in order to plug the cord into the back of it.  There were two other cords that needed to be plugged in and it's a pain to get back there.  We need a new wall mount!  I was so appreciative of Harold and Vickie coming out.  They are always so anxious and ready to help other people.  

 This is Harold & Vickie's granddaughter

Kaytlynn throwing the discus.

Tonight I attended the General Women's Meeting Rebroadcast at the stake center Diana Curtis, Shelly Applegate, and Coty Iannoli.  Diana made it back from California just in time to go with us.  Here is a picture of all the girls from our ward who attended the meeting:

Kelly Reynolds, Alice Wilhelm, Shelly Applegate, Coty Iannoli,

Trenda Wilhelm, Kyah Westbrook, LeeAnn Hunsaker and Maddie Carroll.

The jean jacket girls:

Maddie, Trenda, and LeeAnn

It was freezing cold as we left the meeting.  I told Shelly, Coty, and Diana I thought it was going to snow tonight.

James did not have a good day because the concrete pump broke down.  He stayed until after dark putting water on the concrete.  It will be so sad if he has to tear it out.

 Niagra Falls.

I like to close the day with a soothing scenery picture.

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

A man in Germany attached 10,000

Easter eggs to his apple tree.

Gospel Quote:

"Do you believe in Jesus Christ and do you follow Him and the Father?  How powerful are the words: 'I believe in Jesus Christ!''

Elder Russell M. Ballard

At 6 this morning I looked out the window and saw 8 elk.  I immediately called James and he asked me if any of them had horns.  I had to go get the binoculars.  No, honey, I'm sorry they don't.  This is one of the reasons I open the blinds early in the morning.  The other reason is to see the sunrise. 

I didn't get a picture of the elk but this

picture of a heron was taken in

Arizona.

Jared sent me an email this morning in response to yesterdays family letter in which I asked for ideas for my talk on coming unto Christ and if anyone had ideas for family scripture study that they would like to share.  He gave me a link to a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland entitled "Come Unto Me", and he shared this idea for family scripture study: This was Tricia's idea and comes from her love of music.  They study a hymn along with their scriptures.  He says the kids are much more involved as a result.  What a good idea!

Also Trina set me Ruby's favorite colors which are: rainbow colors, black, pink, and purple.  I think she's got most of the colors covered.  Her favorite dessert is lemon cake but Trina can't recall when she's ever had it.  

 I love this picture of Cathi's daughter Wendy and her son Colter and Sheri and Max taken almost eleven years ago.

Colter was born on June 30th and Max on July 1st.

Don't you just love Max's sweet little face and his chubby cheeks!

James had a meeting with Greg Hatch today.  It looks like his job will be starting in the next couple of weeks.  We have been waiting since November to here that news!

I stayed home all day but I also stayed busy all day.  I paid bills and brought our financial records up to date.  At Diana Curtis's request I called the young women about the women's broadcast tomorrow night.  Most everyone will be going with their Mom's except Shelly (who went with her mom on Saturday), and Coty.  They will both be going with me.  Diana will try to make it back from Disneyland but might be too late.   

 

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!