Tuesday, April 7th, 2020

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Judge

1 Nephi 15:33

Wherefore, if they should die in their wickedness they must be cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which are pertaining to righteousness; wherefore, they must be brought to stand before God, to be judged of their works; and if their works have been filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God; if so, the kingdom of God must be filthy also.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

The Living Christ

April 2020 General Conference

"Prayers of Faith"

President Henry B. Eyring

"As we pray in faith, we become a vital part in the Lord's work as He prepares the world for His Second Coming."

Today was Dave Butler and Emily Freeman day.  The first thing I watched on Youtube was their "Come Follow Me" Easter lesson where they talked about the Unexpected Christ. I recommended that my family watch this. I know Kacey did and I am hoping others did too.

I also watched; "An Easter Celebration by LDS Living and Don't Miss This." This was done in different segments, one for each day of this Holy Week.
Day 1 - The people of Jerusalem
Day 2 - Simon
Day 3 - Joseph and Nicodemus
Day 4 - Mary Magdalene
Day 5 - Road to Emmaus
Day 6 - Thomas
Easter Morning - Our Testimony, Emily and Dave

I love thinking about this last week in the Savior's life through the eyes of the people who were near Him and who served Him and were served by Him. Emily's testimony was based on the fact that Jesus meets people where they are, but he doesn't leave them there.

David's testimony was based on how Jesus lifts, carries, heals, and loves us. I am grateful for both of these testimonies. I am grateful for a Savior who sees beyond the obvious and looks deep into our hearts. I am grateful for His ability to overcome the trials of His suffering so that he could perform the Atonement and provide a way for us to return and live with Him and His Father someday. 
I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me and I am eternally grate for Him and to Him for all that he has done for me and for all of Heavenly Father's children.

I also listened to Kris and Kathy on the book profits webinar today. Amazon has moved the date for sending in books from April 5th to April 15th as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. I now have three boxes of books waiting to be sent in. 

James went to town today to get some food for Luna. Feeding this horse is going to cut in to our food budget. He wasn't able to bring Luna home today. Tom was going to haul her in his trailer but his trailer is "full of junk" as he put it. I was hoping James would ask if he could ride her home but he didn't. 

We are enjoying the new Aunt Dimity book, "Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree." 

Tonight was a Super Moon. It would have been the perfect day to get Luna. Oh well. Patience is a virtue.

Maybe she thought it was chocolate

 Sheri's walk

 My friend Elida took these pictures in Mesa

Arizona Highways

Trying to make up for yesterday

Monday, April 6th, 2020

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Jesus Christ, Judge

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

General Conference Review - I listened to all of the Saturday sessions as I was traveling to the valley

April General Conference

"Deep in Our Heart"

Brother Douglas D. Holmes

"The Lord is trying to help us - all of us - to get His gospel deeper in our hearts."

James left for the valley this morning somewhere between 5:30 and 6:00. He drove his truck and was pulling a trailer with the Cat on the trailer. He is taking to Armando on the Chacon job. When it's not being used it will be parked at Bill Valentic's construction yard in Chandler.

I left about 6:45 in Lexy. We stopped at the Splash and Dash in Show Low to get gas and to get a car wash for Lexy. I was not the only one washing my car this morning so it took about 30 minutes. I'm glad I left a little early. 

Of course James went the Salt River way and I went the Payson way. According to the sign over the highway the Payson way is a little faster. Not according to James though.

I stopped at the Circle K in Star Valley to use the little girls room. It was interesting to me to see that they had tape on the floor marking where people could stand, six feet apart. There was a glass plate up in front of the people at the register. Glad to see they are taking this coronavirus seriously. I wore disposable gloves into the store but I did not put on my purple bandana. I brought it to use as a face mask but will only use it if I am asked to.

I arrived at the AARA, Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, at 10:30 for my 11:00 appointment. 

The girls behind the desk did not have face masks on but everyone else did, including patients and workers. I was called back by Ange from the infusion center. It is so quiet and very few people here for a Monday morning. Ange says that's because none of the doctors are seeing patients. They are only seeing infusion appointments today. When I got on the scale I was happy to see I had lost a little weight.

I missed seeing Frances. I guess she had the day off. Ange had to poke me four times before she finally found a vein that would work to fill me with Actemra. She said, "You are going to go out of here looking like the wounded dead, and I don't like that." I think she was a little embarrassed. She was so shaken when she was finished with me she just left. Usually she puts my feet up, gets me a cold water, and a pillow. I certainly didn't blame her for my stubborn veins. The one vein that worked was one on the outside top of my right hand. I watched a show called "Two Chicks and a Hammer" about a mother and daughter team who restore old homes for people.

After my infusion I met James had Sheri's house. Ian was there in his UPS van. He gave James some things to store at the cabin including some guns he got from his grandpa. 

James and I went down to the corner of Willis and Arizona Avenue to Culver's to have some lunch. We ate there in the parking lot. When we got back to Sheri's, Sheri was home and talking to Ben on the phone. I guess I should say Elder Trezise. I guess he had just finished doing his exercises because he was dressed in what James called a "white tank top."  We talked about conference and other talks by General Authorities and mission presidents. Ben and his companion are doing a study about pride because Ben says that is the most difficult thing to overcome in the mission field and in life in general. Pride leads to so many more sins.  

Max was in the room with his guitar. He played and sang "The Sound of Silence" for us. It was really good. He is quite talented.

We also got to see Alex, Evan, Ziggie and Ollie. Ollie is obsessed with Sheri. The entire time we were on the phone with Ben, Ollie was starring at Sheri. Every time she talks to him he turns his head to the side as he listens. 

We were going to spend the night at Sheri's but decided to go home instead. James left to go try and get a check from Mario, which he did, and I left a few minutes later. We met at the job and then left for home. Yes, I went home the Salt River way. James's truck dies while he is driving it and I wanted to make sure he made it home safely. 

We got home around 6:15. There is no place like home! I was surprised I could make it without falling asleep, but I did. 

I had less than 3,000 steps when I got home and had a little over 7,000 when I went to bed. I ran off the three talks on faith that Brian wants us to read this week and then listened to all of them on my phone while I walked. James was able to get over 10,000 steps. 

I sold four books today! Total sales: $144.00!

 These are the notes Sheri was referring to.

I love Cowboy Elder Trezise!

The map Elder Bednar used in his talk to show temples

around the world.

Sunday, April 5th, 2020

Mesa, Arizona

7th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Judge

Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shall be, because thou hast judged thus.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

General Conference Sunday Sessions

April General Conference

Spiritually Defining Moments

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"When personal difficulties or world conditions beyond our control darken our path, the spiritually defining memories from our book of life are like luminous stones that help brighten the road ahead."

190th Annual General Conference

 Truly "Unforgettable."

The 14 Ways April 2020

General Conference

Was Historic

1. New Location and Limited Attendance

2. A Solemn Assembly and a Hosanna Shout

3. New Young Men General Presidency and Other General Authorities Called

4. Membership Growth Reported in Statistical Report

5. Teenage Speakers

6. New Church Symbol

7. Second Worldwide Fast

8. An Address by Each Female General President

9. 18 Temple Groundbreakings in 2020

10. "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ" Proclamation Introduced

11. 8 Temples Announced 

12. A Worldwide Choir

13. An Apostolic Blessing 

14. Call for a Worldwide Fast to Help Stop the Covid-19 Pandemic

I truly felt the Spirit in this General Conference. So many talks on the Restoration, the Resurrection, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Along with conference two of the things we look forward to on the Sabbath are pictures of Charlie and Face Timing with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. They never disappoint us!

Sweet and Sassy

Charlie has two best friends right now. One is her brother Tanner and the other is Annie, the doll great Grandmother made for her. 

Tanner built a bird feeder this week. A squirrel keeps chasing the birds away and stealing the feed. Tanner wants to shoot the squirrel and make squirrel and dumplings. He says they taste a lot like chicken. 

I am filled with the desire to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I am so looking forward to my favorite week of the year, the Holy Week before Easter. Easter is my favorite holiday and I am excited this year to totally focus on the Savior and establish some new traditions,  thanks to my new friend Emily.