Sunday, June 14th, 2020

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

DC 128:23

Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye sold rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Review Alma 8-12 with Sunday group at the Crane's; "Come Follow Me Weekly" podcast

Lambson Study Group

Discussion with Jared, Kacey, Kim, Brian, Sheri, and James about the role of Grace in overcoming trials

April General Conference

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Laudy Ruth Kaouk

"Don't hesitate to ask for a priesthood blessing when you need extra guidance. It is in our difficult moments that we need the Spirit to help us the most."

"How the Priesthood Blesses Youth"

Enzo Serge Petelo

"Joseph Smith was a young man who was called of God to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ and, for that purpose, was given the priesthood, which he used to bless all mankind."

I actually ironed James a white shirt this morning. Granted, I should have done it yesterday, but at least I did it!

Our Sunday group met at the Crane's this morning. At the Crane's the main source of entrance is through the garage and in the back door. I'm not sure why except Kathy says it is easier. We would have to climb a set of stairs to get to the front door and I guess that is the reason why.

The Crane's have a garden, a shed, a green house, and the nicest, neatest garage I have ever seen. Their home is one a hill and has a beautiful view which Chuck can see from his office. We sat at the dining room table next to the glass door which leads out to their backyard. It is so nice. Kathy is a gardner and there are plants in containers, both hanging and on the ground, everywhere. There is a small patio with some patio furniture then a patch of green grass against a rock wall where the yard continues on with trees on the property. The ground has been cleaned. Everything  is clean, well cared for and in its proper place. 

The Peeler's and the Goodman's gathered with us. Kathy told us where to sit. We partook of the sacrament and then studied the "Come Follow Me" lesson. Kathy had prepared a fruit compote and a lemon cake for our refreshments. It was delicious. We enjoy our association with these wonderful people.

This afternoon James and his partner Dave Westbrook went to visit Anthony out on the range where Dave used to run cattle. James did the "Come Follow Me" lesson with Anthony and Dave, including the videos. Dave is struggling a little because many of his children and grand children have not accepted the gospel in their lives.

During our Facetime with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. Jared told about returning Molly to San Antonio and having dinner with Emmy, Anna, and Molly at the Mellow Mushroom. James is in the army and is stationed in Arizona right now. Jared made the comment that James has family in Arizona and would they be able to visit. One of the girls said no, because of Covid-19. They said he loved it because he gets to sleep on the ground in ditches.

Anna is going to go to school at Texas State which is north of San Antonio. She is going to live in an apartment with her friend. She has about $5,000 saved and grants will help with her schooling. She wants to study art. Emmy still plays soccer. She makes money by being a soccer ref. It was nice to get a report on how the kids are doing.

Jared and Kacey are concerned about Molly and the medication she takes for her ADHD. It is very mood altering. Kacey spends a lot of time with Molly when she stays with them and Molly seems to cling to her. She needs the attention.

During our Skype session with Kim, Brian, Jared, Kacey, and Sheri, Stacy texted and said she was doing worse and would we all please pray for her. Of course we said we would. We had a good discussion on trials and the part Grace plays in overcoming trials. 

These are the talks we listened to this week. The one by Brad Wilcox was extra but it was one of our favorites.

1. "Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done"

Robert D. Hales, October 2011

2. "His Grace Is Sufficient"

Brad Wilcox, July 12, 2011

BYU Speeches

3. "In the Strength of the Lord"

David A. Bednar, October 23, 2001

BYU Speeches

4."For Times of Trouble"

Jeffrey R. Holland, March 18, 1980

BYU Speeches

5. "Challenges: But for a Small Moment"

Neal A. Maxwell, Sept 1, 1974

BYU Speeches

Lot of reading but it was good reading. Our discussion lead us to Grace and how the enabling power of the Atonement helps us to overcome trials and burdens. It was a great discussion. 

This evening James wrote a letter to Ben and I worked on my blog. It was a great way to end a wonderful Sabbath day. 

 Happy Birthday to Brian!

and

Happy Birthday to Dallin!

"We Love You Both"

 If I had a cow I would want him to look just

like this.

 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Luke Lambson

Today's sunset

Saturday, June 13th, 2020

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, King

DC 128:22

Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 12 with James; Study Guide; Sunday journal

Inklings

DC 110 and "He Goes Before Us" by President Henry B. Eyring

April General Conference

"Hosanna and Hallelujah - The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

 "To is Palm Sunday. Traditionally, palms are a sacred symbol to express joy in our Lord, as in Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where 'much people ... took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him.' In the book of Revelation, those who praise God and the Lamb do so 'clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.' Along with 'robes of righteousness' and 'crowns of glory,' palms are included in the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer."

"Missionary Work: Sharing What is in Your Heart"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

April 2019

James went down to work on the road. He and Chuck are putting a culvert in. They had to cut the culvert to fit and somehow in the process a piece of it cut the tire on the Cat. Now we have to spend $180 to buy a new tire. What can I say.

I went to town by myself today to do my weekly grocery shopping. I can honestly say that this was not one of my favorite trips to town. Not only were many of the shelves bare at Walmart but there were people swarming everywhere. Where was social distancing when you need it the most?

My thoughts were not pure, my countenance was not pleasant and for this I am truly sorry. If you were at Walmart and saw me, I apologize. I was in such a hurry to leave I am afraid I forgot a couple of very important items although I did spend over $200.

Just as I was making my get-away, James texted me and asked me to pick up his prescription at CVS. I waited in line at CVS for over 15 minutes behind a car from Oregon. Finally it was my turn!

When I got home I asked James to please bring in the groceries so I could go change in to my comfy clothes. After putting everything away I settled in to my recliner for a nap. After my nap I did some walking and then worked on my blog.

James came in to go to town for parts to fix the downstairs leak and to go to the dump. He actually asked me if I wanted to go with him. My answer was a resounding No! We finished reading "Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well" before he left. It, as always, had a good ending. 

No more new "Lark Rise to Candleford" episodes. After my study time I went to bed. James had already showered and was saying his prayers.

 Alma teaching the wicked people of 

Ammonihah

Autumn working on her degree

 Ollie tolerating Ziggie

Friday, June 12th, 2020

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, King

DC 45:59

For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 11:21-46 with James; Sunday journal, Study Guide: Scott and Maurine Proctor's podcast

Ensign

Weekly Book of Mormon Insights

Family Study

Elder Bednar's talk

Restoration

Chapter 19 "Life in Nauvoo the Beautiful"

Inklings

Beautify the Soul; Nourish the Body

April General Conference

"The Power of the Book of Mormon in Conversion"

Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai

"The Savior has given us the Book of Mormon as a powerful tool to aid in conversion. The Book of Mormon provides spiritual nutrition, prescribes a plan of action, and connects us with the Holy Spirit. Written for us, it contains the word of God in plainness and tells us of our identity, purpose, and destiny. With the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and teaches how we can know truth and become like Him."

"A Good Foundation against the Time to Come"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"In reviewing this brief history, I am in awe of the seership of Brigham Young - first, his ensuring that, to the extent possible and, using construction methods available at that time and place, the Salt Lake Temple would be built in a manner to endure throughout the Millennium and, second, his prophesying of the growth of future temples worldwide, even to number them in hundreds."

"Meek and Lowly of Heart"

David A. Bednar

April 2018

 James needs six little plungers for little Cat. These plungers, he says, are about the six of one of his fingertips. The cost will be around $800. I am only concerned about James's ability to put everything back together and have it work. He is trying to save having the mechanic come out again.

The water is off until James gets the leak in the downstairs fixed. He did turn it on this morning so I could do some laundry and a load of dishes. He went down to work on the road, using mama Cat. I worked on getting all of my books inventoried so I can start preparing a shipment. I am slow. I got them all inventoried but I still have to clean old stickers off and weigh them and pack them in a box. I planned on finishing up tomorrow morning and then taking them into town to ship when I go in to buy groceries.

I watched Emily Belle Freeman's Inklings Institute post this morning. She talked about doing hard things. She told the story of walking with her children and about 80 other people who wanted to come, to the Salt Lake temple from the Draper temple, a distance of 25 miles. She got the idea from the story of John R. Moyle who was a stonemason who worked on the Salt Lake temple. For over 20 years he walked the distance from Alpine, Utah to Salt Lake City, a distance of about 25 miles, two times a week. He would leave early Monday morning from his home, work all week on the temple and then return Friday afternoon beginning his walk at 2 p.m. One weekend the cow kicked him and broke his leg. He made himself a wooden leg and practiced walking until he could make the twenty five mile trip again. Talk about doing hard things! There is a church video about him called, Only a Stonecutter.

This afternoon James's sister Rebecca, her husband Brent, and their two youngest, unmarried boys, Nathan and Scott came by for a visit. They had been camping up on the East Fork of the Black River. There was a fire near Alpine and the smoke and the ash became a bit too much for them so they decided to go home. On the way they stopped to visit with us. Brent and Rebecca are such nice people and so are their boys. Nathan is the youngest. He served a mission to France and now he is going to school at BYU getting his degree in computer programming. He wears glasses, is very friendly and is a nice looking boy. Scott is more quiet and shy but he did contribute to the conversation and showed me a snake they saw swimming in the East Fork stream. He has a degree in electrical engineering. We would have invited them to stay except for the water issue. I think they were ready to go home though as they have been gone for a few days. Rebecca says they are remodeling their kitchen and she is trying to decide what kind of countertops to get. She would like to have stone but doesn't know if they can afford it. I invited them to come back when the heat begins to bother them. I suggested August after it starts to rain. Rebecca said she would love to come back and paint a picture of Luna. I would love that!

Tonight we watched the final episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford." James loved it as much as I do. Alf proposes to Minnie and Gabrielle tells Dorcas he loves her. Margaret starts out being mean to Thomas and you wonder why until you find out that she is pregnant. It was a good ending to a great series!

Today is Ian's 48th birthday.

Happy Birthday Ian

 I feel this way too but I wonder how

my family feels.

 

The early Kirtland saints suffered and sacrificed much to build the Kirtland Temple, the temple that is said to have cost the most to build when you factor in the poverty, persecution, and violence the saints endured. Wilford Woodruff stated, "the bells of hell did not cease their tolling" while the temple was being built. The Saints were commanded to build a house unto the Lord and they obeyed. They had no idea, and couldn't even imagine, what HUGE blessings would pour out upon them, upon their families, and literally the whole world for time and all eternity. It all came from their sacrifice. Sometimes the Lord blesses us with things we love for the purpose of sacrificing it, we only need to listen, obey, follow and trust. The blessings will come. (Inklings comment) 

My little 86 year old friend Catherine posted this.

You go girl

 Rebecca, Scott, Nathan, Brent Tibbetts

Go Molly!

 John making his wooden leg shown in the picture on the

right picture.