Friday, January 31st, 2020

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

DC 19:10

For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

1 Nephi 21-22

"Fruit"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

October 2019

The prayer of Jason Hall:

"Dear Father in Heaven, I begged, if I could only have my hands, I know I could make it. Please, Father, please. ...

Keep my legs, Father; I just pray for the use of my hands.

Jason never received the use of his hands. Can you hear the voice from the spacious building? Jason Hall, God does not hear your prayers! If God is a loving God, how could He leave you like this? Why have faith in Christ? Jason Hall heard their voices, but he did not heed them. Instead he feasted upon the fruit of the tree. His faith in Jesus Christ became immovable. He graduated from the university and married Kolette Coleman in the temple, describing her as the love of his life. After 16 years of marriage, another miracles, their precious son, Coleman, was born."

"Closing Remarks"
President Russell M. Nelson
October 2019
"The year 2020 will be designated as a bicentennial year. General conference next April will be different from any previous conference. In the next six months, I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel."

I was up at 4:17 this morning. This line from my patriarchal blessing: 

"Pray daily to avoid temptation and have the righteous desires of my heart realized."

This morning I prayed for Savannah Marie Perez, Laura, Sister Brady, and our youth family history consultants Kyah and Ty.

I love this from "Women and the Priesthood":

"Conversion requires immersion, immersion in truth. Immersion in the scriptures. Immersion in the temple. Immersion through fasting, prayer, and time to contemplate the things of heaven. It is not about "doing" more."

I finished Sister Dew's book, "Women and the Priesthood" today. Tomorrow I will be starting, "Live Up to Our Privileges" by Wendy Ulrich. 

I was going to start sweeping the mud out of the garage today before James used the power washer on it. My right knee is swollen and stiff so I was moving a little slower this morning. Jame went out and started sweeping and ended up cleaning the garage of mud. He started on the driveway but didn't finish because of frozen ice in places where the sun doesn't shine. He came in and did some work on the computer and went back out around 4. I reminded him that the missionaries are coming at 6 and he is supposed to grill the chicken.

I made the rolls and the apple crisp early in the day and then got myself ready before I went back in the kitchen to prepare the rice pilaf, corn, asparagus and salad. The rice took about thirty minutes to do and the other three things went quickly. Oh yes, I made punch and set the table too. At 5:30 James comes rushing in from outside saying he forgot about the chicken. I was just getting ready to go out and get him. 

As it was nearing six o'clock the missionaries texted and said they would be a little late. They were visiting with Sister Tedder and just left. 

Elder Sagers and Elder Richards are our missionaries. I am kicking myself for not getting a picture. Wait, I think Elder Sagers has a Facebook page. Yes he does:

Elder Sagers is on the right. He is from Burley, Idaho and

Elder Richards is from Ft. Worth, Texas.

Such wonderful, humble missionaries.

They loved the dinner. James says he saw Elder Sagers eat six pieces of chicken. My favorite part of the meal was the apple crisp. I will never make another apple pie in my life. Apple crisp all the way!

We enjoyed the visit and then afterwards they shared part of the Restoration with us. Elder Sagers had Joseph Smith's vision memorized and I always feel the Spirit when I hear it. Elder Richards is an amazing new missionary! I love both of these missionaries!

We sent rolls home with them and cherry jam. I wish I would have given them some chicken and rice. Oh well, I guess James and I will have to eat the rest.

James did most of the dishes and I helped as much as my leg would allow. James also made tea while I studied about the Restoration.

 I know, I know I have posted this before, but

I am so proud of myself for eating eggs!

 My mud mucking man

We should have a good crop of 

wildflowers this year!

 Such a cute!

 I like farmhouse decor

 I ordered some throw pillows today. 

These are the ones I wanted.

I think they go great with this quilt.

They were not available.

These are the ones I ordered:

The

more I look at them the more I like them.

Thursday, January 30th, 2020

Lubbock, Texas
109th operating temple
Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

3 Nephi 15:5

Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfill the the law; therefore it hath an end.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

1 Nephi 19

Nephi makes plates of ore and records the history of his people - The God of Israel will come six hundred years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem - Nephi tells of His sufferings and crucifixion - The Jews will be despised and scattered until the latter days, when they will return unto the Lord. About 588-570 B.C.

"Take Up Our Cross"

Elder Ulisses Soares

October 2019

"I testify that as we continually strive to overcome our challenges, God will bless us with the gifts of faith to be healed and of the working of miracles. He will do for us what we are not capable of doing for ourselves."

"May I say that often the root cause of the confusion some have about the gospel comes from the combination of a steady diet of the philosophies of the world juxtaposed against a superficial understanding of the gospel." -Sheri Dew, "Women and the Priesthood" p. 158

Ian's brother's Michael, who lives in England, is on his way to Arizona to visit family and attend the Phoenix Open. 

I listened to part of the book webinar this morning with Randy and Barry. Barry says during the off-season to Google hobbies or spring events and find books that are seasonal which will sell. I sold three books today for a total of $92.98. I am also returning a book that had a broken binding. 

I thought the missionaries were coming to dinner today but when I texted them they said it was on their calendar for tomorrow. That means I'm going to town today instead of tomorrow. I already have some of the chicken marinating but I am going to get some more. 

James and I left for town around 2:30. I bought more chicken for the missionary dinner and some stuff to make punch. I also got some frozen rolls to make. I guess it was lucky for them that they aren't coming until tomorrow because they will have more chicken and some rolls and punch. 

James tried to order a bumper for his truck online but he could not find one that would fit his truck. It was very frustrating for him.

We watched a YouTube of a talk given by President Nelson in 1984. He was ordained an apostle in 1984 and I'm not sure if this was before or after he was an apostle. He was outlining the horrible sin of abortion. After he was finished there was a video of Mitt Romney saying it was a woman's right to have an abortion. He waffled depending on what group he was speaking to. I have lost so much respect for Mitt Romney and at this point I am grateful he was not elected president of the United States.

Armando's 5 week old baby Savannah Marie is in the hospital. She is having difficulty breathing and they had to put a tube down her throat. James said she might no make it. He called Paul who is their ministering brother and he was talking to Armando on the phone. He was going over to give a blessing. 

James's brother Dave texted him earlier in the week about going to their cousin Max's funeral which is in Ramah on Saturday. Dave was going to pick James up at the Vernon store at 8 am Saturday. When James spoke with him today he said he probably wouldn't be going because Laura is sick. She had a colonoscopy and her colon was ruptured during the procedure. They did an emergency surgery on her and sent her home. She is in so much pain that she went back in to the doctor. They are probably going to schedule another surgery on Saturday. We are including both Savannah and Laura in our prayers.

Woke up to this

The sun was out most of the day and melted

the snow

I missed posting these on Sunday

The cutest video ever!

 Our favorite Hallmark girl

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

3 Nephi 11:14

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

1 Nephi 18

The ship is finished - The births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned - The company embarks for the promised land - The sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion - Nephi is bound, and the ship is driven back by a terrible tempest - Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases - The people arrive in the promised land. About 591-589 B.C. 

"Teaching with Power"

"Power to Overcome the Adversary"

Elder Peter M. Johnson

Oct 2019

"Let us be careful and not casual in our use of technology. Continually seek for ways that technology can draw us closer to the Savior and allow us to accomplish His work as we prepare for His Second Coming."

I always look outside when I come in to wake up James and bring him his tea. This morning I saw elk scattered all over outside. James got up and brought out "the big guns", my camera with the telephoto lens. He said there were at least 20. Probably "our herd" who has been coming this way periodically for the past few weeks. Later we saw 8 deer, also "our herd". The elk and the deer all left together. The deer look so small compared to the elk.

James worked outside this morning while I did my blogging of January 22-23. 

From 9-12 on worked on my book business. I made a template for my inventory page using my light box upstairs. 

James took the key ignition out of the Cat to take into town to be tested. He also went to town to get a bumper but there was none available and the guy who tested the starter said there was nothing wrong with it. Back to square one, or maybe two since he eliminated one source of why his Cat won't start.

I read from "Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon," and then read to James from "Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea."

We got some snow today so James went out to shovel it from the steps and walkways before it turns to ice.

James and I have our quarterly Elders Quorum/Relief Society meeting this evening. This afternoon I worked on Relief Society things. I made copies of the lesson schedule through April and emailed them to the two teachers, Becky and Diana, and made copies for Kerri, Maxine, and Tamara. I also typed up the Family History goals James and I came up with. I made copies for all of the consultants and one for Tamara to give to Bishop Hunsaker. 

Tamara had ask me to give the spiritual thought so I prepared something out of Sister Dew's book, "Women and the Priesthood."

James and I rode with Chuck to the meeting. It was snowing and the steps at the church were icy. We saw Tina Allen as we were going in to the church and she said there was no snow in Show Low or Lakeside.  

We met in the family history room. I asked Chuck how the Relief Society presidency could get a key to the room and he said to ask a member of the bishopric.

Chuck started the meeting before Tamara arrived so she missed the prayer and spiritual thought. I thought he should have waited for her, but she was late and it was time to start. Those attending: Chuck, James, Gary, Maxine, Kerri, Tamara and I.

Some of the items from our agenda: Assignments for Valentine's Party and Dinner on February 14th - report from Kerri. Those with special needs: Sister Robertson still in the hospital with pneumonia and broken ribs in Phoenix. Sister Caster is sick, her ministering sisters are Sister Wallace and Sister South. Sister South is related to her. Brother  Brady is not well. His wife does not feel welcomed by his family. She is not a member. Sister C. Miller is recovering from surgery. She and her husband want to go to the temple. Millie is still miserable with broken ribs. She is discouraged and needs people to visit her. The priesthood will ask if Sister Tedder would like the sacrament brought in. Chuck says the Kostusiak's still need visits by the missionaries. We told about Tanna expecting a baby and Tamara suggested we have a baby shower for her. I would be glad to do that. Brother Martin needs fellowshipping. 

None of the elders quorum presidency no how to access the leadership page on the church website for ministering. Kerri will come next Wednesday and train them. 

When we got home we read 1 Nephi 18 and I studied using "Teaching with Power." It looks like our Sunday "CFM" in the valley will consist of Kim, Brian, James and I. Stacy is a maybe and so is Sheri but not very strong maybes because of the Stupid Bowl, oops, I mean the Super Bowl.

 Not sure about the white dot

 May 31-June 7

Tuesday, January 28th, 2020

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

2 Nephi 6:17

But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee-

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

1 Nephi 17

Nephi is commanded to build a ship - His brethren oppose him - He exhorts them by recounting the history of God's dealings with Israel - Nephi is filled with the power of God - His brethren are forbidden to touch him, lest they wither as a dried reed. About 592-591 B.C.

"Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies"

President M. Russell Ballard

 "Every person who has ever lived or ever will live on this planet made an essential decision to choose to accept Heavenly Father's plan for our salvation. So we all came to earth with a proven track record of a successful spiritual nature and eternal destiny."

I got up at 4:25 this morning. A quote from "Women and the Priesthood" by Sheri Dew:

"Wrestling with spiritual questions is a fundamental element of a religious life. It is an exercise that not only increases knowledge but strengthens faith." (p. 133)

I worked over 3 hours on my blog this morning in order to do two posts. 

I sold a merchant fulfilled book, "Concrete Form Construction." The lowest price was listed as $39.95 but I sold mine for much less. I don't know what I was thinking. I still made over $6.

James went with Chuck Crane to help Brother Deatherage move his stuff out of a Connex building he sold to Brother Goodman. Other "old guys" who helped: Jerry Scott, Virgil Cooper, and Gary Thompson. On the way home James suggested to Chuck they get a moving committee consisting of "younger" elders. James was probably the youngest of today's crew.

The Deatherage's have a beautiful home with a wrap-around deck up on a hill along with 40 acres and some out-buildings they are selling. Sister Deatherage has a difficult time breathing up here so they are moving to the valley.

I made a blackberry and an apple pie today. The blackberry was delicious. I put the apple in the freezer.

I now have enough books for a shipment. I would like to have a shipment go off every Friday. We will see how my week goes.

James fixed the washer today!  He is persistent when it comes to saving money. I am so happy right now!

I paid our mortgage payment and the Amazon Store card today. Most of our big bills are due the first week of the month. I still have to pay our electric bill, the phone bill, and the line of credit. Whew!

I started watching an older Hallmark movie yesterday. One that I have seen before but it's been awhile. It's called "Home in Mitford" starring Andie McDowell and Cameron Mattison. Cameron is a priest, ha!  I watch a little bit everyday during my lunch break.

James went in to town to look for a new bumper but he had no luck. The one at the junkyard was not the right one. Now he is home looking for one online. He would like to use his Amazon cards if he can find one on Amazon.

I listened to talks today by Sister Sheri Dew and Sister Sharon G. Larsen. It reminded me of my trip to England. Sister Larsen was the group leader and Sheri Dew was one of the travelers. She was "checking out" the accommodations for Deseret Book. She did not like the hotel we stayed in in England and so she and her nieces went to stay at a Marriott.

I scheduled our weekly stay at Sheraton Desert Oasis. We will check-in on Sunday, May 31st at 4 pm and check-out Sunday, June 7th at 10 am. We will be in the valley for our anniversary so we can eat at a good restaurant and maybe go see a movie.

The Superbowl is preempting our "Come Follow Me" on Sunday. Ian's brother Michael is in town so Sheri and Ian are having a Superbowl celebration with him. Darrel texted today and said his family will be going to a party at friends but we are welcome to have the discussion at their house. I told him we would probably go to Kim's. Kim and Brian are the only ones I know are coming. Stacy is going to try to talk her family in to coming but the chances are pretty slim. James blames himself because years ago he let the kids watch the Superbowl when Steve Young was the quarterback for the 49er's. 

I started a new Aunt Dimity book today, "Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon."

 Love!

Fascinated by these photos Cody Birch took.

They almost look like paintings.

Photos James sent to me:

James's 70th birthday party.

Ian's brother Michael and his family