Thursday, June 11th, 2020

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, King

DC 45:53

And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 11:1-20 read with James; study guide; Sunday journal; "Sunday on Monday" podcast

Lambson Study Group

"Challenges:But for a Small Moment" Neal A. Maxwell, BYU Devotional September 1, 1974

Inklings

Inklings Institute with Emily Belle Freeman

Ensign

"The Priesthoods Vital Role in the Restoration" Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"Lessons from Alma and Amulek"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

October 2016

Dig I mention that James got his big Cat fixed? The guys came out yesterday and for the first time in a long time it is working! Now we just need to get the parts for the small Cat so we can sell it to Pierce. Things are progressing in the Cat world.

I forgot to share what happened to Sheri yesterday as she was doing errands for Brian, Kim, and Joe. She was checking out at Walmart with some things Brian had asked for when Kim texted and asked if she could go by Circle K and get a vanilla diet Dr. Pepper for Joe. She was in a rush when she left Walmart and didn't realize until she got to Circle K that she had not paid at the scan and go when she checked out and left Walmart. She looked for her receipt and couldn't find it. She got Joe's diet Dr. Pepper without the vanilla because they didn't have any, and drove back to Walmart. She walked in with her groceries and one of the store managers asked what she needed. She explained to him that she had failed to pay for her groceries and needed to go check out again. He said to her, "You have restored my faith in humanity." He happened to be black. When she got home and told the story to Ian he said, "You did that because of the way your mom raised you." That made me feel like maybe I had done something worthwhile in raising my kids.

I came across this quote today in my studies:

"You cannot do the Lord's work in the world's way."

I worked on books this morning after doing my blog until James said he was going to town to get a tire fixed and to see what parts he needed to fix little Cat. He asked me if I would go with him. I haven't been anywhere since we got back from the Valley so I said yes, I wanted to go. I went in and got ready. Our first stop was Center Tire where we dropped off the Cat tire. Next we went to CVS to pick up a prescription for James which was not ready. They said they needed approval from Dr. Moffat. James had already called him and now CVS said they would call him. This is a medicine James needs and he has been out of it for a few days. While James was at the drive-thru window I was inside getting liquid hand soap for the Grapp's. Hand soap has gone up unless CVS is just higher priced than Walmart. 

We stopped at Taco Bell for lunch then James went in to Tractor Supply to get some horse feed. I waited in the car and read from the book I downloaded on Desert Book Plus. Next stop was Splash n Dash to get gas and wash the car. While we were getting gas two cars got into the car wash line so we had to wait about 15 minutes. James wiped off the back window and put some RainX on it to help keep the dust off after going through the wash. It helped a little, but not as much as we wanted it to. We stopped and picked up the tire at Center Tire and then James went to Empire Cat. He came out with a couple of schematics and showed me the parts he thought he needed. They were tiny and he said: "This one cost $100 and this one is $182. Someone is really taking advantage.

We read from "Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well" on the way home and stopped at the post office. I got one book. Finally we were home!

I spoke to several people today via text. Trina to tell her how much I liked what she is doing to her house. I especially like the white couch and blue and white pillows in the "living room." I checked on Stacy and Kim who are both pretty miserable and congested but they both said they were breathing well. I talked to my friend Jean. I was going to go over and take my "Come Follow Me' lesson manual with me but she is in the valley today. She sounded so tired. I texted with Cammy and told her about the soap I bought and she showed me the jeans curtains she had finished for her bathroom. They are very unique and will add some personality to their home. I spoke to Dennis, my brother, who has had a terrible bout of vertigo and was even in the hospital. We had a nice visit. I sent graduation cards to Danielle Miner, and Zach and Maddie Maxwell. I would have sent Anna a card but she did not send me an invitation.

James did not go for a ride today on Luna. Instead he worked on digging up the water line. He made a terrible discovery. The leak is in a pipe in the wall. This means he will have to tear out drywall to fix it. He said he was going to turn off the well pump tonight after I washed my face and got ready for bed. 

Another episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford." Only one more to go.

Cher Maxwell, Brian's wife took this picture

of Fool's Hollow Lake in Show Low where

James proposed to me a few years back

 Our friend Drea, who is a realtor took this

picture. What do you think of the tub in

with the shower?

Sheraton Desert Oasis a few years ago.

I wonder if Max took Joshua's towel?

 Got this for Ruby at CVS

Cammy was excited!

 My hard-working husband

Diane makes the best cakes! 

She has a raspberry chocolate cake

that is to die for.

 James and I laughed at this one

 This is a horrible sight!

Wednesday, June 10th, 2020

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Alma 5:50

Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, for the kingdom of  heaven is at had; yea, the Son of God cometh in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 10 with James; Sunday journal; study guide; "Teaching with Power"

Inklings

Restoration Proclamation paragraphs 1-6

Restoration

Completed chapter 18 "The Mission of the Twelve"

Ensign

Ministering in Sacrament Meeting

April General Conference

"A Living Witness of the Living Christ"

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The central message of the Book of Mormon is to restore the true knowledge of the essential role of Jesus Christ in the salvation and exaltation of mankind. Through centuries of apostasy and spiritual confusion, the deeper meaning of what Christ did in Gethsemane and on Golgotha became lost or corrupted. How excited Joseph Smith must have felt when, as he was translating 1 Nephi, he discovered this marvelous promise: 'These last records, the Book of Mormon, shall establish the truth of the first, the Bible, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.'"

"God Will Yet Reveal"

Neal A. Maxwell

October 1986

"For Times of Trouble"

Jeffrey R. Holland

BYU Devotional

March 1980

Today is the day, 25 years ago, that Carly Elmer drowned in our neighborhood swimming pool in Chandler. It was a terrible day but through this tragedy we came to realize what wonderful people the Elmer's were. Even though we rarely see them, they are our forever friends.

As I listened to the Scripture Study Project podcast I like the introductory discussion on: Learn, Feel, Do, Become. How will I become more like the Savior?

Through all that is going on in the world right now we need to know that God is with us. Hearts hurt and are crushed. Why does God allow suffering to happen? It's going on in the world right now and in Alma's life as we are reading in the scriptures. Suffering is a part of the mortal experience that we are to endure to prove ourselves to Heavenly Father.   

When James went out to feed Luna this morning he said there were some mama elk and one little elk calf. He loves it when he sees some wildlife.

We had a visit from the Grapp family this afternoon. They came to pay us for the groceries we got for them at Costco. Their total was $106.39 and Thomas gave me 120 in cash. I tried to give him some change and he wouldn't take it, saying that the extra money was for our time and effort. Cammy brought us a treat, something they called Rev bars. They were quite delicious. We love the Grapp family. Liana, Benson, Tildy, Emsley, and Leland. Cammy is expecting another baby the end of July. Leland will have just turned two. Cammy is so talented. She showed me curtains she had made by sewing jean pockets together. She also showed me a jean quilt she is making for her baby doctor who just retired. Thomas is a quiet tower of strength and you can tell how much he loves his wife. When it came time for them to leave Benson threw a bit of a fit. He asked his dad if he could do something and Thomas said in almost a whisper, "I'm sorry son, but not after the temper you just showed." Benson was quiet after that. Very effective parenting.

The Grapp's are concerned about being prepared. They ordered 35 chicks to raise for food and eggs. They also bought a cow that was supposed to have a calf but when it was apparent she wasn't pregnant they are selling her back.

I didn't realize how much I miss being around people from church but I thoroughly enjoyed the Grapp's visit. They didn't stay long because they were going over to the Peeler's. Donna is an avid quilter and Cammy wanted to ask her some questions about the quilt she is making. Cammy says that Donna has 3 Conex storage units filled with fabric. Wow!

I told Liana I liked the shirt she had one. It said: "It's fine, I'm fine, Everything's fine. I guess it was a girls camp shirt because it said Camp Corona near the bottom. They didn't get to do girls camp this year. Liana said she got "camp in a bag." Smores ingredients, etc.

Brian texted us this evening. He asked for special prayers for he and Kim who are both struggling with the corona virus. He said the congestion felt like it was going down. James offered a special prayer for them before we went to bed.

While James was on his evening ride I began my gospel study. I also listened to a couple of songs from "Lamb of God." I fixed some dinner when he returned. Later we watched "Lark Rise to Candleford." 

Kacey

 Old building in Chandler where we met

when we first moved there until they built

the Del Rio building in 1975

Tuesday, June 9th, 2020

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Mosiah 2:19

And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 9 with James; Study Guide; "Scripture Study Project" podcast

April General Conference

"Coming unto Christ - Living as Latter-day Saints"

Elder John A. McCune

"There will be times when we will not be able to see any way that a current situation will end well and might even express, as Nephi, 'My heart sorroweth because of my flesh.' There may be times that the only hope we have is in Jesus Christ. What a blessing to have that hope and trust in Him. Christ is the one who will always keep His promises. His rest is assured for all who come unto Him."

"Following Up"

M. Russell Ballard

April 2014

"Where Much is Given, Much is Required"

Boyd K. Packer

October 1974

"In the Strength of the Lord"

David A. Bednar

BYU Devotional

October 2001

It is amazing how we each are affected by so many people in our lives. James work up with a backache and then we found out that the basement leaked again. I was walking around the table near the entryway when I smelled something. I opened the downstairs and knew there was water down there. The sad thing is that James put in sand and plastic to stop the water from coming in from the planter. He is now of the opinion that one of the pipes down below the plastic is leaking. This is just one more thing to add to the number of burdens he is feeling right now. He says he will have to dig down at least four feet to get to the pipe. I told him we need to stop using that faucet and water the plants from the other front faucet. Of course he had to move furniture in order to get the carpet up. He will probably have to move out the bed because the water has gone so far. We need to put tile in the bedroom downstairs. 

I spoke to my friend Jean Howard today. James had heard from Anthony that she was not doing well. Jean is always very pleasant to talk to no matter how she feels or what she is going through. She said she had to go to the hospital this week because she felt like she couldn't breathe. She was told that her heart is failing and that she only has one functioning kidney. This is why she has been tired lately. She is supposed to stay home and take it easy but she said she is not one to do that. She said that Tom is going to town tomorrow and she plans on going with him. She also said I should come over and we should go to lunch in the next few days. I told her to please listen to the doctor and take it easy and I would call her on Thursday morning.

James is concerned about our neighbors Chuck and Kathy. Chuck has been having chest pains. He is having a procedure done on Thursday. Today he and Kathy took Dave K. down to the valley. Dave had surgery several months ago and got mersa while he was in the hospital. The incision in his chest pops open every time he gets up out of his chair. He is going down today to have the incision sewn up. James is worried about Chuck taking Dave down in the condition he is in. 

Camrie posted her engagement pictures today on Facebook. She wrote a long post about overcoming the trial she has been through. Her husband was unfaithful to her while she was carrying his child. She has spent the past two years struggling but through the struggle she is come closer to the Savior. She has studied the Atonement of Jesus Christ and forgiveness. I remember a talk she gave on these very topics and it was amazing. For someone so young she has become so wise. I love her and I am so happy she has found a righteous priesthood holder to love and cherish her and her three little ones.

Paul posted a picture today of his boys who still live at home, everyone except Dallin. They were all sitting around on the couch playing a video game. Jared Ammon was hardly recognizable with long hair and a beard. I looked at them and my heart was sad to think of what could have been with all of them. None of them are really active in the gospel except for Joshua. What will happen to him? Will he remain strong in the gospel and go on a mission? I don't know. Stacy's puzzle was on the table in front of the boys. I thought of her and how unhappy she is right now. She feels like a failure with her boys and the thing I am most concerned about is that she is not taking care of her spirit right now because she is so discouraged. 

So many people to care about. Most of all my family and the pain and sorrow they have to suffer. I know the Lord is with us because I see his hand in the details of our lives. So much suffering in the world right now with the Covid-19 virus and the rioting and protesting in our country. Without the knowledge that the Lord is in charge this present situation could seem impossible. I am so grateful for my Savior and look forward to His coming and the peace that will prevail at that time. I think of Alma and the things he went through to preach the gospel in Ammonihah. This life is not easy, but it will be worth it if we keep the commandments and become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I blogged, walked, worked on my business, and studied the gospel today. James and I watched episode 3, season 4 of "Lark Rise to Candeford." Only three more episodes left and then what will we watch?

 Trina posted this

I remember this night. Thank you family for

celebrating our anniversary with us at the temple

 There were two fires when we returned

from the valley. Those are under control.

Hopefully this one is nothing.

 Our lunch: Turkey bacon, turkey deli meat,

tomato, avocado, with a cream cheese spread

and cheddar cheese wrapped in a tortilla

all for Taco Tuesday

Jared Ammon, Michael, Joshua, Adam

Monday, June 9th, 2020

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

71st operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

2 Nephi 10:14

For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 8 with James; Sunday journal; "Don't Miss This"

April General Conference

"The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Ulisses Soares

" In the evening of September 21, 1823, three and a half years after experiencing the First Vision, Joseph was visited three times by the angel Moroni, the last prophet of the Nephites in ancient America, as a result of his sincere prayers. During their visits that lasted through the night, Moroni told Joseph that God had a marvelous work for him to accomplish - the translation and publication to the world of the inspired words of ancient prophets of the American continent. The next day, Joseph went to the place, not far from his home, where the plates were buried by Moroni at the end of his life, centuries earlier. There Joseph saw Moroni again, who instructed him to prepare himself to receive the plates in the future."

"To Draw Closer to God"

Henry B. Eyring

April 1991

Lambson Study Group

"Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done"

Elder Robert D. Hales

October 2011

I received many blessings from the Lord today. I am grateful to have a husband who is so helpful and supportive. Today we picked up a crib at the Campbell's and took it to Tanna and her boyfriend. 

Tanna was most appreciative. I told her what Candi said: "I'm glad it could go to a good home." I also told her that Candi is having cancer surgery tomorrow and asked Tanna if she would pray for her. She said she would. 

Candi is an interesting person. She doesn't always come to church and I'm not sure how well she understands the gospel because she won't let her daughter Jasmine do baptisms for the dead because she doesn't want to force anyone to join our church. Although she may not understand the gospel completely, she does understand about service. She delivers meals for the Salvation Army on Sundays, she was instrumental in making 400 masks for the White River Hospital. She is in charge of feeding the missionaries and feeds them herself, along with the Vernon firemen. I have grown to love and appreciate her for her good heart. 

After picking up the crib from the Campbell's we took it to Tanna's. She was not home from work but her boyfriend was there and he thanked us. James told him if he needed any help cleaning up that he could get a crew to come over and help. 

I am grateful that we had the opportunity to be a part of this exchange between the Campbell's and Tanna. I am grateful for James for going with me and transporting the crib. 

We also went to the Wilhelm's and gave Johnny his CTR ring. It barely fit and I offered to take it back and get a bigger one but he said no he wanted to keep it. He loves it. It did my heart good to see his face when he put it on. 

Paypal is not my pal. I had to provide documentation to prove James really is who he says he is. It took several tries but finally downloaded his drivers license. I needed one more document, a tax return. It would not download. I finally sent a message for help but have not heard from them yet. 

I made a trip to the post office today. I mailed a merchant fulfilled book, "Arriba", and picked up several more books. I bought three books today and I am getting a shipment of books ready to be sent to Amazon. 

I also caught up on my blog. My heart is filled with gratitude when I consider the many blessings I have been given in my life. Writing in my blog is a reminder of those blessings. Monday is always a good day because we get to hear from our missionary. I am so grateful for his testimony and the service he is giving.

James and I watched episode 2 of season 4 of "Lark Rise to Candleford" before going to bed.