Wednesday, January 15th, 2020

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

D&C 110:3

His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 9 ; I/F Lesson

"The Ministry of Angels"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

October 2008

"Honoring His Name"

Lisa L. Harkins

October 2019

 "The name of Jesus was known long before His birth. To King Benjamin, an angel prophesied, 'And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ... and his mother shall be called Mary.' His work of 'redeeming love' was also made known to God's children whenever the gospel has been on the earth, from the days of Adam and Eve until our present day, so they could 'know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.'"

I got up at 4:30, showered, planned my day and prayed. I had some breakfast and herbal tea and finished yesterday's blog post I was working on. My internet is driving me crazy. 

I texted James who is still in the valley about something I read in a Church History of Show Low last night while I was waiting for my temple recommend interview. Eb Lewis, who was the first bishop of the Show Low 2nd ward and my bishop for awhile when I was a teenager, and a Show Low stake president wrote about when he was 20 years old and called to be the elder's quorum president for Show Low, Pinedale-Claysprings, and Pinetop and Lakeside. He would have to travel to the different quorums on Sunday to conduct business. That's a lot of traveling!

I worked on my blog again this morning because I didn't finish yesterday's two posts. I also cleaned upstairs. I started in Darrel and Trina's room. I had already done Sheri and Ian's. When I was finished with Darrel and Trina's bathroom and bedroom I began vacuuming the common area. 

I also did a little for my book business. I am figuring my prophets for 2019. There are quite a few books I lost money on. I have not finished so I don't know what the final outcome will be. I bought two books. 

During my lunch break I read from my book, "Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter."

I made a trip to town today. The most important thing I was going for was to get my Levothyroxin and Tramadol. I stopped at the Vernon post office. I had a box from Amazon. In it was James's white shirt I had ordered, my wooden salad bowl and serving spoon and fork, two yellow velvet pillow covers, and a new mop and bucket. So happy to get the things I ordered so quickly!

At Walmart I picked up my Levothyroxin and Methotrexate. They were out of Tramadol. Jacob told me if I waited until after 2 p.m. tomorrow they would probably have some. He told me not to come unless I received a text first. I was so disappointed because I depend on Tramadol so much. 

I did some shopping and then waited in line forever to check out. I didn't feel like checking myself out in the scan and go.

I got some plastic white and lavender flowers for my flower pots on the front porch. My basket was full as I walked out to my car. I saw my friend Becky Skousen and she asked me if I needed help, and laughed and thanked her but said no, I didn't.

It's late and getting dark so I decide not to stop to get my car washed. I will wash it when I come back tomorrow for my Tramadol. I stopped by the Wilhelm's to pick up apples. Sandra isn't home from Walmart yet. I saw her when I was there. I wait about 5-10 when she shows up. She hefts a big box of apples in to the back seat of my car like they were a feather. She asks me if I need someone to go home with me and lift them out of my car. I guess she knows James is out of town. I told her no, that I would manage. I gave her a check for $30 and was on my way. They are Honey Crisp apples so I hope they are good. 

After unloading my groceries and putting them away, I sat down with some yogurt and blackberries. I texted James asking why I hadn't heard from him. He said, "Please open the garage door." I had no idea he was coming home this evening. I am very happy to seem him and as an added bonus he brought me a green chili burro from Burger House. 

The first thing James wants me to do is read from Aunt Dimity. I think it's because he likes to walk while I read. After Aunt Dimity we study "Come Follow Me" and then go to bed.

As I was scrolling through Instagram this evening I came across a post from Janet Andersen. Clint's brother Jim passed away. He used to work for James and he dated Carol Ray after Mario died.

 The Honey Crisp apples are delicious!

 Bilbo Baggins has too much "baggage" to

grasp the Iron Rod.

Tuesday, January 14th, 2020

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

DC 109:68

O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., and all his afflictions and persecutions - how he has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O Mighty God of Jacob - and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely striven to do thy will.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 8:21-38

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me"

Reyna I. Aburto

"When we open up about our emotional challenges, admitting we are not perfect, we give others permission to share their struggles. Together we realize there is hope and we do not have to suffer alone."

Up at 4:30. Studied Inklings. In DC 107:18-20 it says:

The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church - 

To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.

The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angles, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments.

After reading verse 20 where it talks about the Aaronic priesthood having the ministering of angels one of the sisters in our group called her dad to asked what it meant to have the keys of the ministering of angels. This is what he said:

"When Deacons, Teachers, and Priests prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament they become literal ministering angels to us. They are acting in the place of Christ to administer this ordinance on His behalf."

This sister went on to say: "It made me think of the few times I drove the young men to administer the sacrament in the homes of ward members and how those elderly/sick people must have seen them as ministering angels, bringing the sacred sacrament to them."

"The Fall has two directions, downward yet forward." - Orson F. Whitney.

For breakfast I again had scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, toast with butter and jam. Yummy. For the first time in my life I actually like eggs!

James ate breakfast with me then we had prayer, and he kissed me goodbye as he left for the Chacon job in the valley. He left a little bit late and the road closed at 9 am by the Superior bridge. He had to go around through Winkelman. He is staying at Kim and Brian's because it is closer to his job. 

I listened to some podcasts this morning. I also got a text from Anna thanking me for her birthday card. I sent her a card and $20.00. I was happy to hear from her.

My friend Jean Howard and I had lunch at Native in Show Low. It is one of Jean's favorite restaurants on the mountain. I had the pork tacos and a salad. Jean ordered the chicken, walnut, apple salad. My tacos were tiny so I'm glad I got a salad. We had a nice visit. Mystery was our waitress again. 

Today was a beautiful day. It was sunny and 52 degrees, with just a little wind.

I came home had some yogurt and nuts took a nap, got up and had some herbal tea and blogged January 2nd. My computer keeps freezing up. 

This evening I had a stake family history meeting and then a temple recommend interview with President Smithson afterwards. President Smithson is a doctor and when he found out that I had lived in Chandler for 40 years he asked me if I knew Tom Paxman. Tom grew up in the Chandler 2nd ward when we were in the ward. He said Tom had been his partner and just retired. Again, It's a small world.

Fomo is "Fear of Missing Out"

Monday, January 13th, 2020

Meridia, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Moroni 10:34

And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

1 Nephi 8:1-20

"Lehi's Dream and You"

Elder Boyd K. Packer

BYU Devotional Dec 2007

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Standing By Our Promises and Covenants"

Elder Ronald L. Rasband

" When we partake of the sacrament, we renew that covenant to take upon us His name and make additional promises to improve. Our daily thoughts and actions, both large and small, reflect our commitment to Him. His sacred promise in return is "If ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."

James's cousin, Max Lambson, who is his age passed away. This is the what is helpful about Facebook. He was looking on the Lambson Family page and found this out.

I was up at 4:30 this morning. I love getting up early and getting a headstart on the day. As I was at my desk in the bedroom studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson, I could hear the wind blowing outside. Usually it is more quiet in the morning and the wind doesn't start blowing until later.

I got up and fixed James some breakfast before he left for his court date in New Mexico. He was only gone a few hours and came back with good news. Two of the charges were thrown out. As he left this morning the last thing I said to him was, "Be sure you are totally honest." He said he remembered me saying that. When the judge asked him if he passed in a no passing zone he said he didn't think he did, but he couldn't be sure. Because of that he was given a ticket. It cost $25.00. A small price to pay for keeping you integrity intact. He will also have to pay court costs. They will send him his ticket and the court charges in the mail. He came home pretty happy. He has been worrying about this since it happened. It will be nice for him to have total closure.

James worked inside for awhile and then he went outside to load his truck for the valley tomorrow. The truck couldn't make it up the hill where the forms and stakes are so James had to carry the forms one at a time and he takes several armloads of stakes.

I cleaned downstairs, vacuumed, dusted, and cleaned the bathroom. I bought 3 books today and I sold 3 books. Kathy Heshelow, my book hero, had an $8,000 day. Is she the first? I'm not sure.

I paid bills and balanced both checkbooks. We were supposed to have our "Come Follow Me" group over, the Goodman's and the Peeler's, but I was not feeling up to it. The Peeler's were in the valley and didn't get back until 5:00 pm and they were tired too. 

Sheri told me that while she was talking to Ben today they began talking about Max and they both cried. 

My blog today took over 3-4 hours. Part of the reason it took so long is because of our internet. We are seeing about getting a different provider.  We didn't start "Come Follow Me" until 9 p.m., an hour late. 

James got a call from a friend he wrestled with in college and has not seen since college. His name is Barry Brown. I guess he was talking to his brother-in-law Dave Westbrook about his wrestling days and mentioned James's name. Dave said James was in his ward and Barry asked for his number. While James and Barry were talking they made another connection. Barry is JoAnn Bradshaw's brother. JoAnn is the sister who is being released from her temple calling to care for her mother. She was a dear friend to me. She has 10 brothers and sisters and Barry is one of them. It's a small world.

Today I began watching "Love in Winterland" starring Italia Ricci, Jack Turner, and Chad Michael Murray.

 My breakfast including my prescription cocktail.

 Colby Maxwell at Sunrise

A sweet little angel

Sunday, January 12th, 2020

Suva, Fiji
91st operating temple
Dedicated: 18 June 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Mosiah 5:2, 15

2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Review 1 Nephi 1-7 "I Will Go and Do"

"Developing Faith"

A. Theodore Tuttle

October 1986

Oct 2019 General Conference

"After the Trial of Our Faith"

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

"Our example of righteous living can make a difference. President Nelson has said: 'As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of church as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings.'"

Kerri attended ward council this morning for Tamara who is speaking with her family at the Ft. Apache branch in our stake. 

The Skousen's were the speakers in sacrament meeting. Becky is one of the teacher's in Relief Society and I love her dearly. 

Becky's topic was, "How the Book of Mormon Helps Strengthen My Faith in Jesus Christ." "Third Nephi has done more to strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ than any other book in the Book of Mormon. Children belong to all of us. 3 Nephi 17:1 the Lord commanded all of the little children to be brought to Him.  In versus 12-25 it tells about the Savior blessing the children. Righteousness was perpetuated for many generations because of this experience."

Chris Skousen spoke also about the Book of Mormon. First of all he said he was grateful for the "bow-tie" bishop. Bishop Hunsaker always wears a bow-tie. It fits. Here are some of the scriptures that Brother Skousen quoted: 1 Nephi 3:7, 4:13, Mosiah 2:17, 3:19, Mosiah 18:8-10 - the Baptismal Covenant. The Lord sent prophets to bless the lives of the people and to help them come unto Him. We are to give service and strive to overcome the natural man syndrome. Brother Skousen ended by saying that the Book of Mormon is the foundation of his testimony.

Liana Grapp was the youth speaker. I can't believe that she is in young women's. She won't be 12 until September. She told the story of climbing the rock wall at the Goodman's and likened it to the "wall of life." Christ and the Holy Ghost will help us if we just keep climbing.

I keep smelling rabbit weed or propane in the house, I can't tell which. It isn't all of the time but enough to be concerned. James says maybe we need to change our air filters. We need to do something!

Stacy made this comment today on a family group text:

"Just letting you all know that as I sit here in stake conference with Elder Soares here, a sister is speaking about ministering and how she was alone as a newly wed when her husband was deployed to Iraq in 2003. She spoke about a sister in her ward named Kim Horak who served her, comforted her, and brought her cookies in her time of need."

Brian responded: 

"I know that this makes Kim extremely uncomfortable. But since she's already uncomfortable, I'll pile on. She mentions all the time how she feels like she's not good enough. I want her to know that she inspires me every day. She struggles with health, physically and mentally, but she always wants to be better. She always wants to be helpful. Even when she can't. She wants to be like our Savior. I don't tell her enough, but I think she is the most beautiful person, inside and out. Her spirit lifts me each and every day. She has a heart of gold and she is my Angel face."

Kim says: 

"Kind of defeats the purpose of quietly serving if you announce it out loud."

I told her it was okay because she wasn't announcing it out loud. It's okay if others sing your praises.

Our Relief Society lesson today was based on Elder Uchtdorf's talk, "Our Great Adventure." Diana Curtis was the teacher. 

Elder Uchtdorf asks us to do four things:

1. Incline Your Heart to God

2. Reach Out in Love to Others

3. Share Your Story

4. Ask, When Do I Start

These are the sisters who attended:

Makenzi Forrester, Julie Wilhelm, Lorraine Givens who expressed gratitude for all the service given to her and her husband. Sue Hubble, Catherine Halcomb, Kerri Halcomb, Diana Curtis, Karen Lambson, Ellen Kostusiak, Lynda Price, JoAnn Patrick, Linda Diewald, Lucretia Barton, Amy White, Nicolette Gardner, Chris Brady, Marilyn Tice, Ruth Wallace, Maxine Thompson, Rosie Lauritzen, Barbara S., Millie Scott, Judy Hunter, Sister Chandler, Nadine Singleton, Kim Andersen, Becky Skousenj, Paula Johnson, Sheba Myers, Heather Bowen, and Michelle Tesarek. The most sisters we have had in Relief Society for awhile.

James fixed venison steak and gravy for lunch. I made some Bisquick drop biscuits to go with it. Afterwards we had a rest time and then I began to blog. Today I did December 29th and 30th.

We Facetimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie and watched "Don't Miss This" on YouTube.

This evening our friends the Grapp's stopped by for a visit. They were returning the dishes from the dinner we brought them and bringing us their family Christmas card. They visited for awhile.

James and I both wrote to Ben. Also, the girl that we minister to together, Tanna, texted and said that she is pregnant. Her boyfriend lives with her and she just graduated from high school a year ago. 

Oh dear. 

 My Sabbath day Sweethearts

Haley's friend is the newest baptized

member of our ward. If I heard correctly 

his name is Ulisses Estara.

I love this!