Monday, May 4th, 2020

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Psalms 89:18

For the Lord is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

"A Light That Can Never Be Darkened"; Mosiah 11; Sunday journal; Study Guide

April General Conference

"An Especially Noble Calling"

Sister Joy D. Jones

"I'm grateful to focus my remarks today on women's continuing roles in the Restoration. It is clear that throughout history women have held a distinctive place in our Heavenly Father's plan. President Russell M. Nelson taught, 'It would be impossible to measure the influence that . . . women have, not only on families but also on the Lord's Church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith.'"

"The Great Plan"

President Dallin H. Oaks

April 2020

"The Divine Gift of Gratitude"

President Thomas S. Monson

October 2010

We left for the valley around 7 o'clock this morning. James borrowed Tom Howard's truck so he could bring back the Cat that is on the job in Mesa. It is a Chevy and it rides just as rough as James's Dodge.

 My appointment is at 11:00 at the AARA. We got into town around 10 and James went by to check on his job on Bellview St. in Mesa. Afterwards we went to Mesa Blueprint to pick up some blueprints. We then drove over to Country Club and Baseline where my appointment is. James dropped me off and went on his way. I guess the wrong blueprints were sent to Mesa Blueprint and he had to go pick up the right ones after calling Rick Crandall to tell him the wrong ones were sent.

The AARA is so quiet with only patients who are receiving infusions waiting in the office. The doctors are still not seeing any patients. Tiffany insert the needle in my arm instead of Ang who had such difficulty last month. Tiffany's needle went right in. 

My infusions lasts an hour and when I was finished I texted James. He was waiting to meet with Mario's nephew but said he would come and pick me up if I wanted. I told him no, I would walk across the street to Costco and he could pick me up there when he was ready. 

It's a good thing I brought my mask to wear otherwise I would not have gotten in to Costco. These are some of the things I bought: 

steak for mother's day, rotissere checken already shredded and vacuum packed into a plastic bag. I bought the chicken so I could make tacos and enchiladas. A bag of granola, a new pair of pajamas for myself, and two big water guns for Zemira Wilhelm's birthday.

On the way out I bought a hot dog and a drink for lunch. I waited outside and was going to eat my hotdog but I felt uncomfortable, so I didn't. I shared it with James instead. 

The next matter of business was to go to Bill Valentic's construction yard and get the trailer. After hitching up the trailer we went back to the jobsite and James loaded up the Cat. We then were ready to go home. 

We stopped at the Circle K in Superior for a potty break and to put air in a tire. I bought a ham and cheese sandwich for us to share but it was disgusting so we didn't eat it. 

James stopped at his favorite gas station in Globe to get some diesel for the truck and the Cat. He had me go in to Subway and get him a sandwich. I got a 12" instead of a 6" that he asked for and I ate the other half. They were out of roast beef so I got steak on toasted wheat with tomato, banana peppers and mustard for him and mayo for me. He asked where the onions were and I said he didn't ask which I thought was strange.

We stopped at the post office in Vernon and picked up the mail. We were home before 6:30. I tried to walk but my left leg hurt too much so I couldn't do much. We watched Season 1 Episode 5 of "Lark Rise to Candleford." The arrival of a new post office inspector causes problems for Dorcas. Robert has been carving a decorative angel on the schoolhouse for which he is not getting paid. Laura loses an important parcel.

Dorcas says this to the rude post office inspector, Mr. Rushton:

"Any man who puffs himself up by the ruination of others is not welcome in my parlor. Now, if you will excuse us."

Ben's Letter:

Cathy Arnett and some of her daughters

Sunday, May 3rd, 2020

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Zechariah 14:9, 16

9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.

16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Review Mosiah 7-10 with our friends the Peeler's and the Goodman's

April General Conference

"Ensuring a Righteous Judgment"

Elder James R. Rasband

 "The doctrine of Christ - which consists of the saving principles and ordinances of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end - is taught numerous times in all the scriptures of the Restoration but with particular power in the Book of Mormon. The doctrine begins with faith in Christ, and every one of its elements depends upon trust in His atoning sacrifice."

We had our "Come Follow Me" meeting this morning at 11 a.m. The Goodman's and Peeler's came but the Crane's didn't. Kathy spent the night in the emergency room and did not feel like coming.

We sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" as the opening hymn and then Barbara Goodman gave the opening prayer. The sacrament song was "Jesus Once of Humble Birth." Owen blessed the bread and James passed. Pierce blessed the water and James passed. We are grateful for these good friends to share in the sacred ordinance with us. 

We studied the "Come Follow Me" lesson for this week, Mosiah 7-10 "In the Strength of the Lord."

After our lesson discussion we had German chocolate cake and ice cream and sang Happy Birthday to Owen who will be 83 on May 8th.

Everyone went home and James and I had some lunch, a stuffing, and pork casserole with green beans. It was quite delicious.

At 1:00 we attended Johnny Wilhelm's baptism at their pond on the property where they are building their new home. Here are some of the photos. The wind was blowing so hard it was difficult to hear the speakers. Aunt Lannie, our ward Primary president, gave the talk on baptism and Talon, or Elder Wilhelm, Johnny's older brother spoke on the Holy Ghost. Talon was serving a mission in Africa and was called home because of the pandemic. He is leaving tomorrow for Georgia, USA, to finish his mission.

 Johnny's mom and his sister Alice were

the witnesses

Johnny Wilhelm

The Wilhelm's are a family with 10 amazing children. I was the Mia Maid advisor for both Trenda and Alice and the Primary teacher for Curtis and Zemira. Johnny called me on the phone and invited me to his baptism and he speaks like a little adult. I love their mom Sandra who is truly an amazing woman. James is their ministering brother. This family means so very much to us and we are so proud of, and happy for, Johnny.

Honestly, I was grateful when the baptism was over so we could get out of the wind. Trenda came over to speak with us. She works at the doctors in Flagstaff where James has an appointment next week. Trenda was the most amazing young woman and I always felt like she could teach me more than I could teach her. I also spoke with Alice. Alice is trained to be a firefighter. Right now she is working as a dispatch caller in St. Johns. She says she knows all of the crime going on in Apache county and we might be surprised by some things happening in safe little Vernon. I told her I would rather not know. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

James and I fasted today for the control of the corona virus again. He fasted and I succumbed and ate some food so I could take my pain meds. Fasting is difficult for me but I am determined to keep trying. I have been successful in the past and I intend on doing better and being successful in the future. I do have a testimony of the power of fasting, I am just weak.

When we got home we rested and finished studying for our family study on pride and humility. We Face Timed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie and Tanner. Tanner wants to come out in November and go elk hunting with James. James told him he could ride the horse.

We had a good discussion on pride and humility with Kim, Brian, Sheri, and Jared and Kacey. Paul and Stacy did not attend. Darrel and Trina went to Horton Creek because Darrel had the day off. I wish they would join with us in our discussions. I asked Trina if they wanted to do "Come Follow Me" with the kids via Skype but she never answered me.

One of the things we most look forward to on the Sabbath is pictures of Charlie. Kacey is so good and faithful in always sending us pictures of Charlie in her Sunday best.

 I love this picture! The look so much

alike!

Charlie getting ready to read

the Book of Mormon

 I also look forward to Scarlett's Sunday photos

Saturday, May 2nd, 2020

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Psalms 47:7

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 10:11-22; Sunday journal, study guide, Sunday on Monday podcast

April General Conference

"Shall We Not Go On In So Great a Cause"

President M. Russell Ballard

 "Of the Smith family, Brigham Young said: 'The Lord had his eye upon Joseph Smith, and upon his father, and upon his father's father, and upon their progenitors clear back to Abraham, and from Abraham to the flood, from the flood to Enoch and from Enoch to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. Joseph Smith was foreordained in eternity."

"Come Unto Christ - Living as Latter-day Saints"

Elder John A. McCune

April 2020

As part of my Inklings study I am studying the Restoration Proclamation, one line a week, This is our second week, so far we have the first two lines.

We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world. God the Father has given us the divine birth, the incomparable life, and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. 

You would think that learning it one line a week that I would remember it, but my old brain can only do so much. I did the Family Proclamation this way and to this day I can tell you bits and pieces from it but cannot quote it in its entirety.

James went to the Howard's to work this morning. I finished cleaning upstairs. Erik's family is coming today with him as he works on trying to fix the Razr. They are bringing their RV and Erik says they will stay in it but I wanted the upstairs to be ready in case they want to use the bedrooms. 

James got back around 11 o'clock about the same time Erik and his family arrived. Erik immediately went to work on the Razr. Amelia and the kids came in and we visited for awhile. Amelia said it was nice to be here for a 30 degree cool down reprieve.  The oldest girl is Aurora who is 12, Mabel 10, Oliver, the only boy is 7 but will be turning 8 on May 7th, and Tabitha Rose who is 5. I asked about their school and Mabel told me about homework and her teacher's website. Amelia says they go to Benjamin Franklin School and each teacher has their own website that the children go to to find out the assignments for the day and to listen to the teachers instructions or to hear her read stories. Sounds like a great system. When I ask Trina about home school she said: "My children are learning to do laundry, cook, use power tools, and we go on fieldtrips once a week.

Oliver seems very shy but I did find out that he is going to be baptized next Saturday. No one is allowed to come except the people that live with Oliver. Amelia says they are going to do a video for family members to watch.

Oliver and Tabitha went upstairs when I told them there were toys. Aurora and Mabel wanted to ride Luna. They all went out to see her and Tabitha tried to feed her a carrot which she enjoyed until James brought her some oats and then that was the end of the carrot. 

Aurora went for a couple of rides and then came back this afternoon for more. She got to where she could use the reins pretty well and looks like a natural. 

Mabel took one ride and Luna had her mind on food because James had been feeding her when he saddled her up. She headed back towards the corral and went under the juniper tree in our back yard and Mabel got scratches all over her arm. We were saying, "Be calm don't panic, hold on and pull the reins back." Mabel was crying when she got off. Amelia and I took her inside to wash off her arm and put Neosporin and bandages on the cuts. I don't think she will be riding again for awhile. 

Amelia took the kids to the RV for lunch and I finished my blog and had turned the lights off and was going to take a nap on the couch when Brian and Kim walked in.

Brian and Kim came bearing gifts: green chili burros from Burger House, a strawberry donut from Krispy Kreme, two individual bundt cakes and a gingerbread cookie in the way of food. Now we have something to look forward to when we break our fast. They also brought toilet paper, paper towels, five handsoaps, and a bottle of dishsoap. Brian brought apples and carrots to feed Luna.

We went out to feed Luna and visit with her. She loved the attention!

Kim, Brian and I sat outside on the patio and visited for awhile as they told me the entire story about Joseph's demise. 

We went inside and before they left we watched part of the first episode of season one of "Lark Rise to Candleford." I wanted to see if Kim thought she would like it and she said she would. We said goodbye and Kim and Brian left for home around 5 p.m. What a nice visit we had even though it was short.

Aurora rode Luna again and seems to really enjoy it. Erik went for a ride too. As evening approached James invited Erik and his family to come in and stay in the house but they insisted they were fine in their RV. 

James and I watched an episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" from season one and then we went to bed.

 Trina's DYI project, or at least one of them

 Nothin Bundt cakes, delicious!

 Erik and Amelia

Tabitha, Ollie, Mabel and Aurora

We hope they come back soon!

 Toilet paper at Winco, rows and rows of it

Friday, May 1st, 2020

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Psalms 24:7

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be y lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 10:1-10; Book of Mormon study guide and Sunday journal

April General Conference

"Opening Message" 

President Russell M. Nelson

 "Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times. This is exactly why the Lord has implored us to stand in holy places and 'be not moved.'"

"Turn to the Lord"

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

April 2010

The guy that James hired to grade our road started today but every time we went by he was standing by the side of the road smoking and visiting with a friend. When we got back from Show Low the road had been worked on but was not done and he and his friend were taking a break. James is pretty worried since he hired him in behalf of all of our neighbors. The guy said he had 47 years experience and worked fast. So far we have seen no indication of either one.

I checked on the government website today and it says our stimulus check was mailed today. Hopefully we will get it next week.

I read this from the April Ensign today:

"Learning to choose the things of the Spirit over the things of the flesh is one of the primary reasons why this earthly experience is part of Heavenly Father's plan. It's also why the plan is built upon the solid, sure foundation of the Atonement of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so that our sins, including the errors we make when we yield to the flesh, can be overcome through constant repentance and we can live spiritually focused. Now is the time to control our bodily appetites to comply with the spiritual doctrine of Christ.

That is why we must not procrastinate the day of our repentance."

I am on chapter 14 of Church History in the Fulness of Times, The Apostasy in Kirtland.

I finished the masks today and delivered them to Maxine along with her birthday present, a 12 pack of diet Coke a journal and pin and a plant with pink blooms.

James went with me to town. We got lunch at Taco Bell and then he dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Circle K to get gas and to wash the car. He came in and helped me check out. It was a zoo today, so many people. We waited for over 20 minutes to check out and then they had no bags so I bought some reusable ones. I was so glad to be done and out of there.

I did not find a German chocolate cake at Walmart for Owen's birthday party on Sunday so I asked James if we could go to Safeway. He let me go in while he stayed in the car to make phone calls. I had to wait in a line outside while someone at the door was counting people and letting them go in two at a time. He said only 150 people at a time could be in the store.

I went in and found a beautiful German chocolate cake in the bakery. I also bought some ice cream and I was ready to go. I have stood in enough lines and seen enough people for one day. There was so much traffic in town it looked like a holiday weekend.

James went on a Luna ride this evening while I blogged, walked, and fixed some dinner. 

Erik and Amelia and their children are coming up tomorrow so Erik can work on the Razr.

James and I watched Season 1 Episode 1 of "Lark Rise to Candleford" this evening. James had never seen it before.

 This is the cutest ever!

 Owen Peeler's birthday cake