Friday, May 8th, 2020

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, King

2 Nephi 16:5

Then said I; Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 15; Read with James; Sunday journal; Study guide; Scripture Study Project podcast; Proctor's podcast

April General Conference

"The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Ulisses Soares

"While meeting with the elders of the Church on one occasion, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared: 'Take away the Book of Mormon, and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.' My dear brothers and sisters, following the First Vision, the miraculous coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the second fundamental milestone of the unfolding Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. The Book of Mormon testifies of God's love for His children, of the Lord Jesus Christ's selfless and divine atoning sacrifice, and of His crowning ministry among the Nephites soon after His Resurrection. It also testifies that the remnant of the house of Israel is to become one through His latter-day work and that they are not cast off forever.."

"Seeds of Renewal"

Joseph B. Wirthlin

April 1989

 Sheri said that Ian Wanlass got re-assigned to northern California to finish his mission. It is the area where his parents are from and so he has lots of relatives and people that he knows.

In Mosiah 11:29 Abinadi talks about the people being blind. Where am I blind in keep the commandments? Abinadi means "God is present among you" in Hebrew.

Hugh Nibley says that Mosiah 15-16 are the two most difficult chapters in the Book of Mormon to understand. 

The Cat repairman and his assistant came this morning to work on the big Cat. He charge $130 and is paid whether he is successful in fixing your machinery or not. He brought the schematic that Empire Cat sent him but he still could not fix the problem. They found some wires that had been chewed in two but that was not the entire problem. He worked for several hours and finally James told him that was enough for today. He will have to come back and work again if we have any hope of fixing this machinery. I told James as soon as it is fixed I would like for him to sell it because this equipment upkeep is just too costly. Today's cost was $927.

Another bit of bad, costly news: the parts we need to fix the Razr will cost $2,500, not $900. We need to move forward with this because the Razr is laying in parts all over the garage. 

We went in to town this afternoon so James could see if he could order the part he needs to fix his truck at O'Reilly's. They did not have the part and James can't find the exact one, so far, online. We mailed Lois's mother's day card after I signed it and the book that I sold. We decided since we were in town that we should go to Walmart to get some shakes and some asparagus to go with our steaks on Sunday. We bought a few more items and while standing in line to check out James ordered us some dinner from LaCasita. 

I read a couple of chapters to James from our book, "Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch." I really like this one and so does James.

When I got home and opened my dinner I noticed that there was no rice. When I asked James he told me he didn't think I wanted rice. Honey, I always get rice and beans and mix them together. He felt sad he had made the mistake and so I couldn't make much of it.

I got a text from Stefani Hunsaker today asking me how many people can attend a sealing in the live sealing room in the Snowflake temple. I didn't know so I began asking other temple workers. When I texted Sister Goodman she wanted to know if I was helping Stefani. When I said yes and asked if this sealing was for Camrie she said yes. She is marrying a man from Texas on August 22nd, her grandmother's birthday. What a way to honor her grandmother. Camrie is a single mother whose husband went out on her while she was expecting their last child. He was not an active member of the Church and Camrie has longed to be sealed to someone. She is an amazingly forgiving and loving woman.

 His name is Darren, he is from Texas, he has 

never been married, and the kids love him.

I hope this works for her. If it does, I am

so truly happy for her! She deserves to be happy!

As for the temple sealing room, I believe it will hold 70 people quite comfortably.

James did not go for a ride on Luna but he worked outside and then came in and studied with me. Afterwards we watched our episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" and had some tea.

Lark Rise to Candleford

Season 1 Episode 9

Queenie finds a beautiful embroidered panel on a grave. Dorcas and Sir Timothy try to solve the mystery of who created it. Alf's poaching leads him and Edmund into danger. Fresh out of prison, Caroline returns to Lark Rise determined to mend her ways.

Quotes:

Queenie: "The Tree of Knowledge. Now if anything's got a message, that does."

Laura: "Rivalries ran deep in our small community. The real rivalry between Philip and Alf was not about poachin', but what was in their hearts." (They are both in love with Laura)

Margaret to Dorcas:

"The Ellison family christening robes, these go back four generations."

Dorcas to Thomas:

"I have done it again Thomas, meddling in other people's business, I'm such a terrible troublemaker."

Thomas:

"You are too hard on yourself man, you usually meddle for good reason and most often it has a favorable outcome."

Dorcas: 

"I'm glad you think so because it's your business I've been meddling in. I have invited Miss Ellison to tea on Thursday."

Thomas:

"Tea? Here? Miss Ellison and myself at the table in front of other people?"

Dorcas:

"Only your friends Thomas."

Thomas:

"Miss Lane, you have placed me in an intolerable position.

Dorcas:

"It's just that I felt so sorry for her. I could sense she was so eager to see you."

Thomas:

"Miss Lane, I find myself in such a state of ill temper, I feel I must remove myself before I say somethin' unChristian."

Caroline to Emma after being released from prison:

"I will not speak unless I can be civil and gracious...well, maybe gracious will come later. I will greet life with humility and gratitude from now on."

 President Nelson with a great-

grandson

 We saw many Navajo's in my dad's

store when I worked there in my teens

Abinadi before King Noah

Friendly animals, some a little

too friendly!

 They made the local newspaper

Thursday, May 7th, 2020

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, King

Isaiah 6:5

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 14: With James; Sunday journal; Study guide; Sunday on Monday podcast

April General Conference

"Prayers of Faith"

Henry B. Eyring

"President Nelson invited us to make a personal plan to prepare ourselves for this historic conference, which commemoration he said would be 'a hinge point in the history of the Church, and your part is vital.' Like me, perhaps you heard his message and asked yourself, 'In what way is my part vital?' Perhaps you read and prayed about the events of the Restoration. Perhaps, more than ever before, you read the accounts of those few times when God the Father introduced His Beloved Son. Perhaps you read of the instances when the Savior spoke to the children of our Heavenly Father. I know I did all of those things and more. I felt filled with joy at the prospect of being invited to participate in this celebration of the ongoing Restoration.

"Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts"?

Linda K. Burton

October 2012

"Gratitude"

Stephen E. Snow

October 2001

James left a little before six this morning to meet with Richard the road guy. He paid him some money and they talked about him doing the next section. After meeting with Richard he went on to the Howard's to work. 

My book balance this morning was $703.31, the amount Amazon owes me!

I went to Taylor with James this afternoon because I could tell he really wanted me to go. He is going to see a guy about fixing the cracked block of the Razr. The guy can't fix it so now we will have to buy one. James says it will probably cost around $900 to order one. We want to get the Razr fixed before the summer. I am dying to go for a ride on the mountain. The Halcomb's said there is still snow up high.

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to see the guy he came to see. When he was finished he joined me and picked out a Mother's Day card for his mom. As soon as we got home he took a few minutes to sign the card. I will sign it, put in an Amazon gift card and send it off tomorrow.

After our shopping spree we went over to Taco Bell across the street and we each ordered two tacos. It cost us $7.00 because we donated to feeding children, can't remember the exact name of the organization. Our tacos were lacking, lacking very much meat that is. James warned me that this Taco Bell wasn't up to par and he was right. We should have ordered something to eat at Sonic when we ordered our cherry limeades during Happy Hour.

On the way home we got some money out at the bank so we could pay Richard $400 more dollars. He has done half the job and we are paying him half the pay. James paid him $400 this morning so that makes a total of $800. Richard started grading the last stretch of road and made a big pile of dirt which was difficult to drive in. I wonder how long it will take him to finish this road since he only works about two hours a day. He is old, in his seventies or eighties and he said he runs out of steam. Tell me about it.

James went on a Luna ride while I studied the gospel. This evening we watched season 1 episode 8 of "Lark Rise to Candleford."

A violent storm hits Lark Rise and Candleford. The arrival of a radical new teacher causes divisions in the two communities. Dorcas has a new admirer, the new teacher, James Delafield. Alf tries to impress Laura, who seems increasingly smitten with Philip.

Quotes

Dorcas:

"Laura, will you tell Zillah Mr. Delafield and I will take tea in the parlor with Banbury cake."

Dorcas: "I do like to think well of myself, it is my one weakness."

Mr. Delafield to the men of Lark Rise in the Wagon and Horses Inn:

"Poverty is no disgrace. It is a great inconvenience though."

 Happy Birthday Autumn!

 This was a video to music and Charlie

was definitely squatting and joining in

the fun. These two are so cute together!

Congratulations Eden!

 Trina's Weekly Fieldtrip.

Gisela swimming and cliff jumping

 Listening to and singing a Beatles song

Wednesday, May 6th, 2020

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Psalms 149:2

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 13; Sunday journal, Study guide, "Don't Miss This" and "Teaching with Power"

April General Conference

"Deep in Our Heart"

Douglas D. Holmes

"Sisters and brothers, what a wonderful time we live in. As we celebrate the beginning of the Restoration, it is also appropriate to celebrate the ongoing Restoration that we are witnessing. I rejoice with you to live in this day. The Lord continues to put in place, through His prophets, all that is needed to help us prepare to receive Him."

"Stand Tall and Stand Together"

Sheri L. Dew

October 2000

"O Remember, Remember"

Henry B. Eyring

October 2007

President Eyring asks himself this question at the end of each day as he writes in his journal: "How have I seen the hand of the Lord in my life today?"

I listened to "Teaching with Power" today as a supplement to the "Come Follow Me" lesson. Brother Wilcox took a more personal approach and said that we need to learn to listen to the Abinadi's in our life and to ignore the Noah's. He said he was thinking of young people and how impressionable they are.

I am happy to say that my book balance today is $677.36, the highest it has ever been. I have sold 78 books in the last 30 days.

James received this text from our friend Pierce this morning. 

"Good morning! You cannot imagine my shock when I saw what you had done in the light! I would never have believed that it was possible, especially with the cute little skid steer! You are truly a magician! Thank you! Thank you!"

This text made James happy. It is nice to be appreciated. We are trading dental work with Brother Goodman for this work. James went over this morning to finish up and to bring his Cat home.

The guy who was supposed to be grading our road was a no-show today. He and James had a discussion and he will be back tomorrow. 

 I talked with my friend Jean today. She is not feeling well. She had just gotten up from a nap and was still extremely tired. She also has many of the same symptoms Kathy Crane had and will be going in for a colonoscopy soon. I am worried about her and all of her health issues. She wants me to come over and have lunch with her the next time James comes over. I told her I would.

Kathy's surgery went very well today and she is at home recovering.

James went to the Halcomb's today and pulled up stumps and dug fence posts. Kerri was very happy. He did not charge her anything.

This evening we watched "Lark Rise to Candleford" season 1, episode 7.

"The residents rally around Susan Braby when they realize her husband Sam has hit her - until she has him arrested. Matthew is commissioned to make new gates for the manor. Lady Adelaide is concerned Sir Timothy is spending too much time with Dorcas. Laura brings Philip home for tea."

Quotes:

Thomas to Sam:

"By your fruits ye shall know them. In't that right Sam?"

Philip: "I want to know why you are being so cagey"?

Laura: "I ain't bein' cagey."

 Both lost their spouses in the last few years

I am so happy for them!

 We have some green

 I want one!

 Our friends the Andersen's found this lizard

 I don't know what to believe or think

anymore.

  

Tuesday, May 5th, 2020

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Psalms 95:3

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 12; Sunday journal; study guide

April General Conference

"Spiritually Defining Moments"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Eighteen years after the First Vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote an extensive account of his experience. He had faced opposition, persecution, harassment, threats, and brutal attacks. Yet he continued to boldly testify of his First Vision. 'I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true. ... I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it.'"

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ"

Dallin H. Oaks

April 1994

"Grateful in Any Circumstances

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

April 2014

"Live by covenants, not convenience."

 My leg is still hurting this morning, behind my knee. The thought occurred to me that it could be a blood clot from sitting so long yesterday. James was so worried he wanted me to text Trina at 6 a.m. and see what she thought. Of course I did not do that. James had me take an aspirin and another pill that is supposed to help thin blood. Honestly, within a couple of hours, the pain was gone. 

Today is what I call a "Recovery" day. I worked on my blog and listened to Kris and Kathy on the book webinar, and rested. James was gone most of the day working at the Goodman's back filling the trenches to their amazing greenhouse. He wore the Star Wars mask Catherine H. made him but by noon it was so dirty he brought it home for me to wash. For lunch I made him a tuna melt sandwich and some tomato basil soup.

Today is my brother Dennis's 66th birthday. I called to wish him a happy birthday and asked what he was doing to celebrate. He said that he and Denise were in the valley waiting outside of Chili's trying to figure out how to order their food. Someone came out to take their order so our call was cut short. I love my brother Dennis, he is a great guy and lots of fun to be around.

I went with James over to the Halcomb's this afternoon to see about some stumps Kerri wants removed and some post holes she would like for him to dig. While Kerri showed James what needed to be done, I stayed inside and visited with Catherine. Catherine always has some interesting story to tell and today it was about being on the foster care board in California. She said being a foster parent is the best way to adopt a child. Her granddaughter wants to adopt but the $40,000 fee is too costly. Three of Catherine's children are adopted and all she paid for  two of them was the cost of the birth certificate. The other was through LDS Social Services and they had to pay $300.

James went for a Luna ride this evening while I did my gospel study. On the way home from the Halcomb's we stopped to talk to Chuck Crane. They think they finally found out what is causing Cathy's pain, it is her gall bladder. She is having surgery tomorrow.
Thank goodness! Hopefully this will do the trick. She has been through so many tests, and pain since the beginning of the year.

After James's ride he came back and grilled a couple of steaks for dinner. I put together a salad and warmed up some Busch beans and that was dinner. 

After dinner we watched a couple of episodes from season 1 of "Lark Rise to Candleford."

 Such beauties: Scarlett, Ivy, Lola

 I love the expression on her face

 Such wisdom

Great idea, if I was more organic

 James called me out to look at the moon

 May is concert month