Friday, February 7th, 2020

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

 Psalms 82:8

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 4

Lehi counsels and blesses his posterity - He dies and is buried - Nephi glories in the goodness of God - Nephi puts his trust in the Lord forever. About 588-570 B.C.

"Watchful Unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"Just as important lessons can be learned by observing the behavior of cheetahs and topis, so each of us should look for the lessons and warnings found in the simple events of everyday life. As we seek for a mind and heart open to receive heavenly direction by the power of the Holy Ghost, then some of the greatest instructions that we can receive and many of the most powerful warnings that can safeguard us will originate in our own ordinary experiences. Powerful parables are contained in both the scriptures and in our daily lives."

James looked up online how to fix a starter on a CAT tractor. He said there were fourteen steps using tools that he doesn't have. What to do, what to do...

Tamara and I figured out some ministering problems we were having. I worried about giving Sister Chandler to Kambri and Rosa Westbrook. She suggested we give her to Anne M. and that way Violet could get to know Andyn and Katherine. Good idea. 

I made rolls today for the temple tomorrow. Of course I had to sample a couple of them. I also made Culver's chili and another apple crisp. Brian and Kim are coming tonight and I want Kim to try it. 

The Culver's chili has a lot of chili powder in it. It's good and now we have something to eat on Sunday. 

I forgot to mention that the Culver's in Show Low is now open. We would have stopped in yesterday but it was way to busy!

This evening I studied 2 Nephi 4 and 5. I love the Psalm of Nephi in chapter 4 versus 15-35. I was going to write my favorite lines until I realized that they are all my favorite. Actually Nephi is my favorite. He is a manly man, he can hunt and make tools and build a boat from scratch and he is very spiritual and he can write psalms and share his feelings. Nephi is the man!

Kim and Brian came in about 9 this evening, right before we went to bed. We work in the temple tomorrow and leave at 5:30 am.

 Sedona

Autumn:

Thursday, February 6th, 2020

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

Psalms 58:11

So t hat a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 3

Joseph in Egypt saw the Nephites in vision - He prophesied of Jseph Smith, the latter-day seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. 588-570 BC

"Trust in the Lord"

President Dallin H. Oaks

Oct 2019

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" -Proverbs 3:5-6

I got up early this morning and paid two bills, realizing that they were both due yesterday. Hopefully I won't be charged any late fees.

I blogged, worked on books and did errands today. James went with me and of course I read to him. He dropped me off at Walmart while he went across the street to the new Circle K to wash Lexy. 

I planned four meals for this coming week, chicken tenders, chili, meatloaf, and green chili stew. I love it when I plan ahead!

I got James a piece of banana walnut cake and me a piece of lemon cake to eat on the way home. He got almond nut crackers. He liked the crackers the best. I liked the lemon cake.

We stopped at the post office in Vernon on the way in to town and picked up a couple of packages for me. My pillows are here and my Book of Mormon journal. I'm so excited I can hardly wait to get home and open the packages. 

Both Autumn and Jared posted on Facebook today. Autumn about the halftime show at the Superbowl and Jared about Mitt Romney. They were both great posts and I agree with both 100%. I am proud of them for defending what they believe to be right.

This evening was study time for me. I am studying the Restoration and of course "Come Follow Me." Today there was a new Inklings post which included DC 107:71-84 which is about the office of a bishop. Emily shared a story about a time when she was sick and her bishop left church when the meetings were less than half over to visit her. 

I remember when Bishop Horne was our bishop and I was the Primary president. I had been home for church for a couple of weeks because of an arthritis flareup and the bishop asked the entire ward to fast for me. What a feeling of comfort and peace that gave me. Thank you Bishop Horne.

I listened to several chapters from "Saints" today as part of my study of the Restoration. I also read from "Live Up To Our Privileges" by Wendy Ulrich and "Church History in the Fullness of Times." 

Today was so much warmer than yesterday. The high was in the 50's instead of the 20's. We also parked Lexy in the garage because she had no mud on her tires. The roads are all dried out.

Today was a wonderful day for me. I love my home, my ward, my family, my hubby, and my Savior!

Love!

 Love!

Her first Dolly Parton Imagination book

Tonight's sunset:

 Love!

The exact number of steps as yesterday

How did I manage that?

Wednesday, February 5th, 2020

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

1 Chronicles 16:33

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 2:17-30

"Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Oct 2019

"As our faith in Jesus Christ grows, God invites us to make promises with Him. These covenants, as such promises are known, are manifestations of our conversion. Covenants also create a sure foundation for spiritual progression. As we choose to be baptized, we begin to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and choose to identify ourselves with Him. We pledge to become like Him and to develop His attributes."

It was 5 degrees when I got up this morning. Outside, not inside. The cold water on our kitchen faucet was frozen inspite of having the heater blowing on the pipes all night. James took a bigger propane heater outside and tried to unthaw the hose. It finally worked and we had water again.

I read this quote by President Eyring in the book I am currently reading, "Live Up To Our Privileges" by Wendy Ulrich:

"It is wise to fear that our own skills are inadequate to meet the charge we have to nourish. ... But that realistic view of our limitations creates a humility which can lead to dependence on the Spirit and thus to power."

I blogged this morning and again this evening and I am finally caught up! It is going to be so amazing to only have to do one blog post a day!

I inventoried three books and bought a couple of books plus I did some repricing. January was a pretty good month for selling books. 

I read, watched Dave and Emily on YouTube, listened to two chapters from Saints, listened to Greg Matsen discuss 2 Nephi 1-5, read an article from the Ensign by President Eyring "The First Vision: A Pattern for Personal Revelation", listened to three conference talks, and studied indepth, 2 Nephi 2. 

I also did some work on our ministering assignments. We have several new sisters who need ministering sisters. I looked at all of the companionships that were visiting only one or two sisters and gave them another sister. I "cleaned up" our ministering lists and now I need to post online and send Tamara an email. 

James had an elders quorum meeting tonight. They are meeting with Kerri who is showing them how to use the online information on the Church's website for leaders. James said it was pretty impressive.

James is using Kim's formula and making his own breathing remedy. Two drops lemon DoTerra, two peppermint, and two lavender in some water. It really works!

Trina thanked us for her birthday card and gift card. I guess she already opened it although her birthday is not until the 12th.

I made homemade chicken with rice soup. I loved it and so did James.

I got over 14,000 steps today without even bothering my knee.

 I wish he really was my Uncle Neal

 I took this photo with my Iphone

I wish I could say I took this one

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

 The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 2:1-16

"Spiritual Capacity"

Michelle Craig

Oct 2019

"The prayer Heavenly Father seems eager to answer is our plea to be led to someone who needs our help. President Henry B. Eyring has taught us to seek revelation by asking God who we can help for Him. 'If you ask questions like that, the Holy Ghost will come and you'll feel nudges about things you can do for other people. When you go and do those things, you're on the Lord's errand, and when you're on the Lord's errand, you qualify for the gift of the Holy Ghost.'"

I got a good night sleep. I don't remember getting up during the night even once, which is unheard of.

We got ready to go this morning and said our goodbyes to Kim, Brian, Bob and Tiger. We left around 9 am. First stop was just around the corner at Filiberto's for a breakfast burrito. James had to make a stop at the Willis's to check on a paint color. I stayed in the car with my burrito. 

After Willis's we went to the Chandler post office to mail Stacy's birthday card. We would have taken it by her house but no one would have been home. Next we got on the 202 and headed for Darrel and Trina's. 

No one was home so we left Trina's Sunday bag with her birthday card in it on the front porch. 

We are going home the Payson way up Ellsworth Rd. and through Saguaro Lake. We stopped in Payson at Culver's for lunch. James ordered fish and for his sides, two bowls of chili, one for me and one for him. I also ordered the ice cream of the day, chocolate ice cream with toffee and almonds.

Today is my brother Harold's birthday. I texted him and wished him a happy birthday. He was going to lunch and asked if we wanted to go with him. I told him we were coming back from the valley and wouldn't be able to but would like to go another time.

We stopped at the post office and picked up three books.

It was 27 degrees when we got home. Cold! 

After putting all of our stuff away James laid down to take a nap. I sat on the recliner and read from "Aunt Dimity" and "Live Up To Our Privileges."

The rest of the day I blogged, walked, and listened to conference talks. We also FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey and Charlie. 

James built us a roaring fire which made it so cozy. He also checked on Laura and Savannah. Laura is at home recovering and Savannah is much better.

I watched "Teaching with Power" while walking.

It felt good to sleep in our own bed tonight.