Friday, February 21st, 2020

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 29:11

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 23-24

23- The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming - It will be a day of wrath and vengeance - Babylon (the world) will fall forever - Compare Isaiah 13.

24- Israel will be gathered and will enjoy millennial rest - Lucifer was cast out of heaven for rebellion - Israel will triumph over Babylon (the world) - Compare Isaiah 14.

"Your Great Adventure"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The third thing we strive to master in this journey is to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and not be ashamed of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. We do not hide our faith. We do not bury it. To the contrary, we talk about our journey with others in normal and natural ways. That's what friends do - they talk about things that are important to them. Things that are close to their heart and make a difference to them. That's what you do. You tell your stories and experiences as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Whenever you think you've got troubles, consider this prayer of an LDS woman in Paraguay:

"In 1987, the Pilcomayo River in Paraguay flooded, twice, wiping out homes, farms, livestock, and the chapel of a group of Latter-day Saints living near its banks. They were in knee-deep water for over a month and relocated twice. Eventually, Elder Ted E. Brewerton of the Seventy was dispatched with a rescue party to try to help. He found their situation bleak but their faces peaceful. That evening at the branch meeting a sister offered a prayer Elder Brewerton will always remember. She said, 'Father, we have lost our beautiful chapel, we have lost our clothing, we no longer have homes. ... we don't have any materials to build anything., we have to walk ten kilometers to get a drink of dirty river water and we don't have a bucket. But we desire to express to thee our gratitude for our good health, for our happiness, and for our Church membership. Father, we want thee to know that under any conditions, we will be true, strong, and faithful to the covenants we made to thee when we were baptized.'" (p. 182, "Live Up To Our Privileges")

This made me stop and think...do I really have anything to complain about?

It was cloudy most of the day today and it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. James was so excited about getting his smaller Cat to run that he went outside and was gone for a couple of hours. I couldn't hear the Cat running and wondered where he was. I texted him but then remembered he can't hear texts with his phone right now. Soon he came in and I asked him where he had been. He said he had been down working on the road when the Cat died and he couldn't get it started. He finally got it started again but decided to bring it home. Now it's parking right out next to the driveway where I can see it whenever I look out the kitchen window. 

I worked on my book business for much of the day today. Since I got my shipment sent off yesterday I started out by buying my 3 daily books. It took much longer than usual. Sometimes they are easy to find, and other times it takes forever. I also went through some old inventory sheets and discovered I had sold most of the books on that particular sheet. I also began to inventory the new books I have. My goal is to order fifteen books a week and turn around and send off 15 books a week.

I called Discover Student Loans again today. Jared Ammon has not contacted them. I told them I thought it was highly unfair that they are keeping my money until they get permission from my grandson to send it to me. He has nothing to do with that money. The poor guy I was talking to didn't know what to say. I think he was new.

When I got off the phone with Discover I texted Stacy and she did a screen shot of my text and sent it to Jared Ammon. She also said she would talk to him. I will give him a few more days and then call Discover again. If he hasn't contacted them I am going to ask them what they are going to do. I will not give up on this.

 This evening I studied "Come Follow Me", finishing my notes on 2 Nephi 23. James wanted to watch a movie and I said okay but that would mean we couldn't watch one tomorrow night because I would need to catch up on my studies before Sunday. 

We watched the latest installment of Picture Perfect Mysteries starring Carlos and Alexa Penavega. The name of this episode was "Dead Over Diamonds." I liked it. James is waiting for the next Jill Wagner mystery. They showed a clip and he said, "Let's watch that."

 Elk fawn. Mama elk looks like a horse

 If Lola is anything, she's cool!

 Some of my Young Women: 

Alice, Trenda, Shelly, and Jordyn

 I promised I cropped this picture.

My computer is loco!

Any idea where this is Jared?

 I cropped this one too but I don't want to go

back and do it again because my computer

keeps freezing up.

So cute. I love this!

Sheri's a day after her birthday celebration!

 Shayna and Alex took her to her favorite

restaurant, LGO (LeGrande Orange)

in Phoenix

 45 turns into 54

Michael and Joe singing "Dream"

by the Everly Brothers

Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 29:11

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 20-22

20- The destruction of Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming - Few people will be left after the Lord comes again - The remnant of Jacob will return in that day.

21- The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness-The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium-The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel. - Compare Isaiah 11.

22- In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord - He will dwell among them - Compare Isaiah 12.

"Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel"

Cristina B. Franco

"My dear friends, the Lord needs us to gather Israel. In the Doctrine and Covenants, He has said, 'Neither take ye though beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.'"

It's another beautiful day in Arizona, let's all enjoy it! Sunny and 55 degrees. It feels like spring is here, without the wind!

I heard James driving around this morning outside on a piece of machinery. I was excited and thought he had fixed his Cat. When he came in and I asked him about it, he said, yeah, but it's the small one. I need the big one for my job.

There are problems at the city of Mesa with the permits for Mario's houses. Part of it is because Mario would not let James turn in the permits, insisting that the engineer do it. Now the engineer is in Hawaii and the permits are stuck at the city with revisions needing to be done. The city sent them back to the engineer but no one can get in to his account because he is out of town. So frustrating.

I finished my shipment today and James and I went into town to take it to UPS. I did a little shopping at Walmart while James went to Home Depot to get filters for our heater/air conditioning unit.

We got gas and mailed three birthday cards, Paula Johnson's, Joseph's and Adam's. We also stopped at the post office and picked up a load of books. When you consistently order three books a day, you consistently receive them in the mail.

Back at home as I was putting the groceries away I notice that the grits I bought for James were missing. We looked in the car. I checked my receipt to make sure I paid for them. We are so good at losing items we buy. What's going on?

This afternoon I made a card for Tanna, a girl we minister to together. I frosted some cookies and put them on a plate. James was going to deliver but he never got an answer from Tanna. He said if we have to we will go to Persnikkity's tomorrow, where she works, to see her. I'm all for that!

I forgot to mention that when I got up this morning the washer was not working. The light was on in the drum and the control panel would not light up. I told James and he looked at it and said he had no idea how to fix it. I suggested that he unplug it and plug it back in. It worked! James says I'm a genius. Simple solutions from simple minds is what I say.

I got a call from Sheri this evening. Ben had called her for her birthday. He is upset because a former AP and his friend, Elder Legas who is now a Zone leader is questioning something Ben and another AP asked the zone leaders to do. Elder Legas said he would be bringing this up at the conference next week. Ben is heartbroken. He cannot stand betrayal by a friend and that is what this feels like. He saw Max come into the room with his guitar and Ben burst into tears. He said he misses his family. He told Sheri he doesn't want to come home but when you are hurting you want comfort from the people who love you the most. I think this is one of the beggest trials Ben has had so far. He will get through it because he is strong and he is obedient.

Sheri also told me about the neighbor across the street from Cathi and Terry, the one with the Lamborghini, got arrested for tax evasion and laundering money. Sheri said when she went outside to make a Circle K run, there were 10 undercover police cars, 5 regular police cars, and a couple of swat team cars parked in the neighborhood. This guy just bought the two acres of land behind Dave and Laura and said he was going to build a 10,000 sq ft house. That was before all of this. Now he is saying he hopes he gets to stay in the neighborhood.

I got all caught up on my "Come Follow Me" studies but I haven't even looked at Inklings. I did listen to several chapters from volume 2 of "The Saints."

Happy Birthday Sheri

 This was 5 years ago on her 40th birthday

Gifts from the girls at work

 So funny!

Tanna's cookies

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 17-19

17- Ephraim and Syria wage war against Judah - Christ will be born of a virgin - Compare Isaiah 7.

18- Christ will be as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense - Seek the Lord, not peeping wizards - Turn to the law and to the testimony for guidance - Compare Isaiah 8.

19- Isaiah speaks messianically - The people in darkness will see a great light - Unto us a child is born - He will be the Prince of Peace and will reign on David's throne - Compare Isaiah 9.

"Covenant Belonging"

Elder Gerrit W. Gond

"The Book of Mormon is evidence we can hold in our hand of covenant belonging. The Book of Mormon is the promised instrument for the gathering of God's children, prophesied as a new covenant. As we read the Book of Mormon, by ourselves and with others, whether silently or aloud, we can ask God 'with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ,' and receive by the power of the Holy Ghost God's assurance that the Book of Mormon is true."

I had oatmeal, toast, and yogurt for breakfast. Afterwards I blogged for Tuesday and then cleaned the master bedroom and bath. James and I had prayer together and will study the scriptures later today. Thank goodness for my Isaiah Made Easy book!

I bought three books and repriced a page and got all of the books I am sending off this week inventoried. There are 15 of them, the same number of books I order each week.  I will send the shipment off either tomorrow or Friday.

During my lunch hour I finished reading "Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon." The next book in the series is "Aunt Dimity Down Under."

I texted Jared Ammon this afternoon requesting that he call Discover Student Loans and tell them to write us a refund check. I seriously doubt that he will do it. I am going to have James call Amrock and have them contact Discover and see if that will do any good. They have to send us our money eventually, don't they?

I baked the rest of the sugar cookies today and put them back in the frig. I am going to give a couple to Tanna and her boyfriend and probably take the rest on Saturday to the temple. 

I worked on ministering changes this afternoon in preparation for our Relief Society presidency meeting this evening. James's elders quorum meeting was cancelled because Chuck is still sick.

Our meeting was at six instead of seven. When I got to the church I saw that everyone else was already here. The door was locked and I didn't have my key with me. I texted and Kerri came to my rescue. Brother Goodman opened the family history room door for us and tried to find us our own key but they are all gone. He said when some people hand in their keys he would get one for us. We like to meet in this room because of the big table and because we have no interruptions. 

We signed birthday cards for March and then went  over the ministering changes. Some of my changes went through but the ones I made today did not. I am not sure why. Kerri had her computer with the TV screen so we could see what we were doing. 

I had a stomach ache during the entire meeting and finally after one hour and forty five minutes I excused myself. Before I left Kerri told about our next RS activity scheduled for March 28th to celebrate the Relief Society birthday. She also sent a text that said: 

On March 28th we will be doing a schedule of 30 minute classes in separate rooms, then eating and having cupcakes all together. If any of you have ideas for classes that might translate well into 30 minutes and may have enough interest among the sisters, please throw out your suggestions. So far we have these (but have still not decided which we will keep)

1. life hacks

2. Insta pot

3. Exit files (important end of life docs)

4. Tracking money

5. And a class to show how to organize important documents all together in one place (not sure the name)

6. Soap making

7. Indexing. 

Any suggestions are welcome, especially if you know someone that does it.

When I got home I was still pretty miserable. I changed into my nightgown and sat down in the recliner while James served me chamomile tea. We watched a Hallmark movie, "The Secret Ingredient."

I did not finish my "CFM" for today but will work on it during my morning plan, ponder, and pray time.

 This is the store we walk to when we are at

Darrel and Trina's.

 Interesting

Tuesday, February 18th, 2020

Twin Falls, Idaho

128th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 15-16

15- The Lord's vineyard (Israel) will become desolate, and His people will be scattered - Woes will come upon them in their apostate and scattered state - The Lord will lift an ensign and gather Israel - Compare Isaiah 5.

16- Isaiah sees the Lord - Isaiah's sins are forgiven - He is called to prophesy - He prophesies of the rejection by the Jews of Christ's teachings - A remnant will return - Compare Isaiah 6.

April 1986

"Spiritual Treasures"

President Russell M. Nelson

As you shift your focus away from worldly distractions, some things that seem important to you now will recede in priority. You will need to say no to some things, even though they may seem harmless. As you embark upon and continue this lifelong process of consecrating your life to the Lord, the changes in your perspective, feelings, and spiritual strength will amaze you!"

I downloaded the new Gospel Living app this morning but I'm still not sure how to use it. 

I also downloaded a song I thought Charlie might like, "Rockin' Robin." A song from the 60's with a good beat. I used it this morning when I took James's tea into him.

I don't like the energy drinks I bought. Not only do they have black and green tea but they are disgusting. I got coconut pineapple but really don't like it.

I forgot to mention a couple of things from yesterday. First of all Brother Goodman said that Brother Deatherage had surgery today. He has an infection in his hip where his prothsesis is connected. They have to get rid of the infection and then will reconnect the leg. Sounds terrible.

Also we saw a doe and a fawn on the way home last night. James was surprised how small the fawn was.

At 9:30 this morning I left to pick up my 86 year old friend Catherine. We are going to the Stanford Store to get signatures on a petition for our friend Cope Reynolds to run on the ballot as Apache county sheriff. Cope's wife Amy met us at Stanford to get us all set up. The person running against Cope is from the reservation. His name is Deadman. That name is not going to get him any votes. Cope says that if we got every vote south of the reservation there would not be enough to win if Deadman gets all the votes on the reservation. 

Amy said an Apache county sheriff's deputy was killed on the reservation yesterday. This is the wild west folks, with the cowboys against the indians.

Catherine and I got a total of 8 signatures. Many people who came in were not residents of Apache county.  

Since Catherine and I were seated in the deli area we decided to order lunch. Kerri, Catherine's daughter, had given her $20 to buy lunch with. We each got a salad. We mistakenly ordered the big ones. Nettie, the girl who runs the deli, told us that even though the bowl is small she "really packs it in." We should have listened because the big ones were too big to eat in one setting. We got take home containers to take them home in.

When I got home I took a rest in my recliner. I did read a chapter from "Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon" before taking a nap. Later I read to James from "Aunt Dimity Goes West."

On my way home from Stanford I stopped at the post office and picked up 13 books and a printer. I now have enough books to send in a shipment with some left over. I started inventoring books this afternoon. I took a break every so often and walked. 

I got a phone call from my friend Jean Howard. Jean wanted to make sure we were at home because she said they had a delivery to make. I went out and told James, who was putting the front bumper back on his truck. 

When Jean and Tom arrived they handed me a bag with something warm in it. I was sure it was some type of food but I wasn't sure what. Tom said this was his way of thanking James for getting him out of the mud three times. We thanked them and invited them in but they said they had to get home to feed the horses before dark.

When we opened the box in the bag it was filled with pulled pork. There was a container of bbq sauce with it. We each got some and boy was it delicious. James mentioned how much better it was than what we had at the ward party the other night. What a nice surprise.

This evening after "Come Follow Me" study James trimmed my hair. He says I have a "donut" in the back where my hair turns under. Thanks honey.

 Kacey said Charlie poured apple juice

all over the big heart and then went into

the laundry room and said:

"Wash it. Mess."

 Nancy and Shayna with a puppy

at work.

 168th temple dedicated by

Elder Rasband.