Wednesday, May 13th, 2020

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 April 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 20; Read with James; Sunday journal, study guide, "Teaching with Power"

Lambson Study Group

"How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life"

Richard G. Scott

April 2012

Inklings

Beautify the Soul; 2 Nephi 28:30; Four Steps for Healthy New Growth: Remove Obstacles, One Idea for Improvement, Nourish, Trust God

Restoration

Chapter 15: The Church in Northern Missouri 1836-38

April General Conference

"Hosanna and Hallelujan - The LIving Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Dear brothers and sisters: with hosanna and hallelujah, we celebrate the living Jesus Christ at this season of continuing Restoration and Easter. With perfect love, our Savior assures us: 'In me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.'"

"The Power of Deliverance"

Elder L. Tom Perry

April 2012

Positive Affirmations: I am strong, I am faithful, I am hopeful, I am in control.

James came in this morning from feeding Luna and said: "Two elk cows were out there watching me as I fed Luna."

We had prayer at home and scriptures in the car on our way to town. We are going to get out tires rotated at Discount Tire. We usually do this the same time we have our oil changed so we are running a little behind. We got there at 8:30. James got out name on the list and then told the guy he had a couple of errands to run. They guy told him as long as he was back by 9:30 he would not lose his place in line. 

We had to find Dr. Moffat's new office to pick up orders for an x-ray on James hand. We finally had to call because although we were in the right strip mall, we did not recognize the name on the door. His office is now called Change Point.

After picking up the paper from Dr. Moffat James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to the hospital to get an x-ray. Actually he dropped me off at the bus stop and I walked the rest of the way. 

The best time to shop at Walmart is in the early morning. Not only was it not busy but I got a big package of toilet paper. 

I received a message on my phone to call the pharmacy about the refill on my tramadol. I spoke with Mike, an LDS tech. He said I could not refill the prescription until tomorrow. It was too early today. I told him I was out of pills and I never use more than is prescribed. I suggested that perhaps they shorted me a few pills last month. He said they would check and to call back in two hours. 

I finished my shopping and went outside to call James. It was about 9:45 and he said he was still waiting for them to take the car in.

I was going to wait at the bus stop with my groceries but there were several people there. The garden center had mulch bags set out on rows 10-11 of the parking lot. I decided to go down to the end of the mulch and park my basket and sit on the mulch to wait. Now I know how homeless people feel.

You can't see the mulch pile where I sat.

It was the perfect height. The only 

problem was it was a little damp and

so when I got up, my pants were wet. 

Black pants so you couldn't really tell.

Around 11:00 I called the pharmacy back. They said there was

nothing they could do for me because the record shows I received all of my pills. I didn't argue. I just said please text me when my

order is ready and Mike said they would.

James got there before 11:30 which means I was waiting outside

about an hour and a half. I was hungry and wanted some lunch but James said he had to run over to Home Depot and get a screw...?

I waited in the car and watched a video on Facebook of Evie Jiminez opening her mission call. She is going to Porte Allegre, Brazil, the same mission her aunt served in. Congratulations Evie. She is the sweetest girl with the best testimony and will be an awesome missionary! She just finished a year at BYU and will turn 20 in October.

When James finished at Home Depot we headed for KFC. We were both craving their coleslaw. We ordered our food, which came to $17, shocking! We could have gone to Taco Bell and got full for $8.00. We stopped for gas going out of town. Oh yes, I forgot to mention we had to get a new tire at Discount. Our front drivers tire was worn and had a wire sticking out. Because we have the warranty we paid nothing for the new tire. I take that back, the warranty on the new tire cost $34.

I read from Aunt Dimity Lost Prince and when we got home and put all of the groceries away we laid down to take a nap. This little morning outing took much longer than either of us imagined.

I did not feel well and couldn't seem to get much done this afternoon. James worked upstairs and outside and went on a horsey ride. I told him I didn't feel well and was going to lie down. He said he thought he might have some tramadol. He found me two pills which I took. Within a couple of hours I was a new woman!

I checked my Keepa alerts and Amazon Seller Central to see if I sold any books today. I sold three. My balance is now, $1,163.38.

I spent the evening studying the gospel and then James and I watched the next episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford."

"Lark Rise to Candleford"

Season 2 Episode 3

Battling with her emotions for new arrival James Dowland, Dorcas sets out to defeat the dashing property developer in the parish council elections. In her quest to win, she finds herself caught up in a battle to prove there is a place for a woman in politics.

Quotes

JD: "Perhaps you are not suited for politics.

D: "Suited? I can argue Mr. Dowland, it is one of  my most cherished attributes. What you take exception to is that I am a woman."

JD: "It does seem such a shame."

D: "A shame? 

JD: "That your loveliness is wasted on the cut and thrust of politics.

D: "My loveliness, as you chose to call it, is nothing more than appearance, I mean clothes."

JD: "Not at all. Your loveliness is in every ounce of your being. Every word that you speak, the way you josh and needle your neighbors with such delight. It is a living, breathing spirit the likeness of which I have never seen before."

D: "Yes, well you are entitled to your opinion."

Monte's 50th Birthday

Happy Birthday Monte!

 Lake Powell

 Arizona wildflowers

 She looks like Jared to me in this picture

Shall we get a bunny?

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Toronto, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Jeremiah 10:10

But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 19; James, Sunday journal, study guide, "Don't Miss This"

Lambson Study Group

"Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence" Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Devotional March 2nd 1999

Inklings

Nourish Body - 3 Positive Affirmations a Day - I am....

Restoration

The Church in the Fulness of Times; Chapter 15 "The Church in Northern Missouri 1836-38"

April General Conference

"A Good Foundation Against the Time to Come"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"At general conference in April 1851, members of the Church voted unanimously to sustain a motion to build a temple 'to the name of the Lord.' Two years later, on February 14, 1853, the site was dedicated by Heber C. Kimball in a public ceremony attended by several thousand Saints, and ground was broken for the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple. A few months later, on April 6, the massive cornerstones of the temple were laid and dedicated with elaborate ceremonies that included a color guard and bands and a procession led by Church leaders from the old tabernacle to the temple site, where remarks and prayers were offered at each of the four stones."

"The Lifeline of Prayer"

James E. Faust

April 2002

I have decided I need to include more fruits and vegetables in my diet so today I ate an orange bell pepper. Hey, it's a start!

My book balance this morning is $1,073.75. The sad thing is I will probably only get about half of this amount sent to me as Amazon likes to keep money in your account. That's okay, I will get the rest in two more weeks.

Stacy graduated from aestetician (esthetician)? school. Someone dropped off a box of cookies from Crumble Bakery. She thought it was either Sheri or Kim and Brian. Come to find out, it was Paul!

I listened to one of the talks for this week's family study, "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence" by Jeffrey R. Holland. It was a BYU Devotional talk from March 2, 1999 and boy was it good. The topic this week is personal revelation.

James and I have two forms of entertainment as of late. One is the reading of the Aunt Dimity books and the other is watching an episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" in the evenings before going to bed. Both are set in rural England. One is from the 19th century and the other the 21st. "Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince" is starting out to be really good!

James has another form of entertainment and that is going for a ride on Luna in the afternoon/evening. Although it was a little windy today the weather was in the 70's, just about perfect.

James heard from Mario, the guy who owns the houses he is building. Mario is upset because one of the houses does not have a door from the garage to the house. I told James I would be a little upset to but he said: "Mario had that plan for over six months and he could have complained then. If he wants us to put in a door we will, but he is going to pay for it." Mario does not handle stress very well. He gets upset and starts yelling. We will see how this one pans out.

We had one steak left in the refrigerator and James cooked it for me for dinner. I offered to share it with him but he declined. It was delicious.

As part of my gospel study I belong to a group called Inklings. Along with studying the Restoration Proclamation, we are discussing ways to nourish the body and beautify the soul. Today's discussion was on positive affirmations. Each morning when I get up I am supposed to say three positive affirmations. Today I am kind, I am faithful, and I am loved. I have done this before but needed to be reminded that this is a good way to keep positive thoughts and to exercise faith.

Tonight's episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" Season 2 Episode 2:

A handsome stranger rides into Candleford with a look of determination about him. Along his way, he chances upon young Edmunc Timmins and presents him with a silver thrupence before heading on his way. His name is James Dowland.

Quotes

Laura: 

"There were those who said that Lark Rise was like the outer wilds beyond the bounds of civilization.  So, a child caught up in this time of so much change, a child with dreams might need to escape. But sometimes we feel the need to return because sometimes there are things from the past that can only be resolved at home."

JD to Edmund:

"A silver thrupence can change a boys life if he knows how to use it well."

 Alma baptizing Helam

Love how she says popsicle and yees

 The Chubbs' are dear friends

Excited about hair cuts

Joshua looks too grown up

Congratulations Alexis!

This picture hangs in the hallway of the Snowflake

Temple where sister temple workers who are assisting at the

veil wait to be called in. I have, along with my other sister temple workers, evaluated this painting so many times. It is by one

of my favorite artists, Walter Rane. There are some 

things I question, such as the position of a leg on one of

the apostles, but all in all I love this painting!

My dear friend Jean Lamoreaux and her

grandchildren. I think she has one on

a mission

 Arapaia Canyon

Monday, May 11th, 2020

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me" Mosiah 18-24

"We Have Entered into a Covenant with Him"

Mosiah 18 with James, Sunday journal, study guide

Podcast: The Scripture Study Project with the Horton's

April General Conference

"Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The consistency of pleas from prophets to reflect on the goodness of God is striking. Our Heavenly Father wants us to recall His and His Beloved Son's goodness, not for Their own gratification but for the influence such remembrance has on us. By considering Their kindness, our perspective and understanding are enlarged. By reflecting on Their compassion, we become more humble, prayerful, and steadfast."

"The Power of the Book of Mormon in Conversion"

Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai

"Jesus Christ is the Master Physician. Through His Atonement, He binds up our wounds, takes upon Himself our infirmities, and heals our broken hearts. Through His grace our weakness can become strong He invites us to follow Him by learning of Him, listening to His words, and walking in the meekness of His Spirit. He has promised to help us in the lifelong process of conversion, which transforms us and brings everlasting joy."

"The Canker of Contention"

Russell M. Nelson

April 1989

"Bear Up Your Burdens with Ease"

David A. Bednar

April 2014

I love Monday mornings. Mondays are the beginning of a new week and represent a new beginning. Hopes are high and resolves are firm on Monday morning. 

As I was walking and listening to conference talks this morning I came across this statement:

"With a sincere heart, with real intent, invite

the Spirit of the Lord into your life."

It took me most of the morning to write in my blog for Sunday. I did fine until it was time to download pictures when the computer kept freezing up. I was determined I would finish, and I did.

I was excited to see that my book balance, over the weekend had gone up to $955.54! How exciting! Also, I sold another five books today.

We started another Aunt Dimity book today. It is funny how I have read all of these books but I don't remember any of them. I guess it has been over ten years. This book is called, "Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince." 

We had the rest of the chicken tacos today for lunch. They were quite yummy. After lunch we both took about a 30 minute nap and then James went to the post office at my request. I had a book to mail and I wanted to see if we had gotten our stimulus check. 

We struck it rich at the post office. Not only did we get our stimulus check but I got Mother's Day cards from Sheri and Kim. Sheri's card had a $50 gift card to Cheesecake Factory, and Kim's had a $25 Olive Garden card and a $25 Amazon card.

We got a letter today from the Snowflake temple president, President Palmer. He said that the Snowflake temple would be open for living endowments only. I wanted to share a portion of the letter on here.

The temple will reopen in phases. Phase 1 is the initial phase and will require only a few workers. We know you are all anxious to return to service, but please wait for a call from temple leadership before expecting to return to service in the temple. Thanks for your patience and willingness to serve - we look forward to the day when we return to full temple worship opportunities in the temple. 

For your information, Alma Yates and Nikki Yates have been called to serve as 2nd counselor and Assistant to the Matron in the Snowflake Arizona Temple. As you know, Mike and Kim Seaman have been called to serve as Temple President and Matron of the temple beginning 1 November 2020. Those serving with them as counselors and assistants to the matron will be Roger and Sharman Toronto and Gary and Darlene Perkins. We are very excited about the calls they have received to serve - we will love serving with them. 

With love,

President Palmer

We have worked with the Yates on our shift. He is a sealer and they served a mission in a spanish speaking temple so they are fluent in spanish. I love both of them. Roger Toronto is our stake patriarch and his wife Sharman is over indexing in the stake and attends our quarterly stake family history meetings. They are both dedicated disciples of the Lord. I don't know the Perkins, although I might know Darlene if her maiden name is Palmer. I shall see.

Monday's are always exciting because we hear from our missionary Elder Trezise. James and I got a short message from him and of course Sheri always shares her letter with us. 

James went on a Luna ride this evening, a short one. He wants to make sure she gets her exercise. I will be glad when we can fence our field and then she will be able to get all the exercise she wants.

As I sat down to study the gospel this evening I realized how tired I was. I decided to go crawl into bed and take another 30 minute nap. I had not been in there more than 30 minutes when James came in and crawled in with me. After our nap we got up and went to the dining room table to study.

The last thing James and I did this evening was watch episode one of season two of "Lark Rise to Candleford."

The series opens with a wonderfully captivating seasonal tale that unites the past and the present. When Dorcas and Emma each want to give Laura the same gift for Christmas, an old family wound is opened up and Laura finds herself torn between two mothers. As the inhabitants of Lark Rise and Candleford prepare for the festivities, loyalties are tested and, amid the gift giving and caroling, tensions are building. ( I might add that there is a happy ending and a good message to this story).

Quotes

Laura as the episode opens:

"These are times when we can forget how fortunate we are. There are those who spend the whole lives searching for a sense of belonging the rest of us take for granted. The best of intentions can pull families apart. Parents and children can be divided by their wish to love and be loved." (Another thing I love about this series is that Laura is an avid journal keeper!)

Ruby to Walter as she encourages him to get to know his children 

better and to not run away back to sea.

"Surely we can do for one day what seems 

impossible for a lifetime."

Ben's good friend

 Woke up to fog this morning

 Cutie in a drawer

James said this is the first time he has seen

turkey on our property

 This mama turkey was looking for water but

she was afraid of Luna

Kacey saw this critter on their 

animal safari last week. I named

him Tex Earnhardt.