Wed, Feb 24, 2021: Fortaleza Brazil Temple, Post op eye patch removed, Tanna's baby, Charlie's fun in the sun, Carmen's snow bear, new planner, steps,

 

Fortaleza, Brazil

164th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 June 2019

By: Ulisses Soares

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

Alma 5:48

I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you, concerning that which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to  take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 16:1-17:25

D&C

18:34-47

"Come Follow Me"

I can hear the Lord's voice in the Doctrine and Covenants.

OctGenCon

'Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, And Count It All Joy!'

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi

Of the Seventy

We "let patience have her perfect work" (James 1:4) in our inability to meet in person as ward families for a season. But we count as joy our families' faith increasing through new technology connections and Come Follow me study of the Book of Mormon.

President Russell M. Nelson promised, "Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world".

Where we make sacred covenants with God - the temple - is temporarily closed. Where we keep covenants with God - the home - is open! We have an opportunity at home to study and ponder on the exceptional beauty of temple covenants. Even in the absence of entry into that sacred physical space, our "hearts . . . shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out" (Doctrine and Covenants 110:9).

'Highly Favored Of The Lord'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A second example of being highly favored of the Lord is the revelation regarding ministering in a higher and holier way.

In 2018, President Nelson introduced ministering as an adjustment "in the way we care for each other." The pandemic has introduced numerous opportunities to hone our ministering skills.

The Church itself has also been ministering to others during the pandemic with an unprecedented distribution of commodities to food banks, homeless shelters, and immigrant support centers and with projects directed to the world's most serious hunger situations. Relief Society sisters and their families responded to the challenge of making millions of masks for health-care workers. 

Restoration Proclamation

P4 S1

We affirm that under the direction of the Father and the Son, heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph and re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ.

The Living Christ

P3 S1

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.

Stacy told me something that I want to share here. This week during one of their "Come Follow Me" discussions, Jared Ammon came and stayed through the entire discussion. Afterwards he talked to Stacy about coming up here and staying for awhile. He asked if he thought we would want to see him. I told her, of course we would! She said he told her that it had been seven years since he had been here. 

She thinks he is trying to find himself and wants some time alone to think. 

The Peeler's daughter Serena has cancer. I am praying for her and for Sherrie Swanson, Pam Giles's friend who is taking the missionary discussions.

This morning on the way to town for my post op appointment, James and I listened to "Follow Him", a podcast with John Bytheway and Hank Smith. They always have a gospel scholar as a guest speaker. This week was Scott Woodward who teaches religion at BYU-Idaho. He was soooo good! I learned so much and so did James. I texted Sheri and she was listening to them too!

My eyepatch was removed this morning and Dr. Palmer checked my eye and said it looked good. One of his instructions to me was to not bend over. I asked him why because I said that was very difficult for me. He said that it causes pressure on the eye. 

On the way home James and I were both hungry so we stopped at Burger King and ordered Whopper Jr.'s 2/$5.00. They gave us regular Whoppers which was a little disappointing because I really only wanted a junior.

When I got home I talked to Sheri and told her about my eye being blurry so she told me to put tape over the left lense. That worked.

James went to the dump, finally delivered Tanna's Valentines, and went to the post office. Tanna thanked me and when I asked how the baby was doing she sent me some photos.

This is Bradley and he is six months old!

He's a cutie!

Stacy needed help tonight. She had sent Paul to the store, she was not feeling well, but forgot to tell him to get bread. She needed someone to get bread for her for Joshua's lunch tomorrow. Brian, who says he doesn't like people, volunteered. When he delivered the bread, he also brought flowers for Stacy. For someone who doesn't like people he is very thoughtful and loves to help. I mentioned once that I liked his TV and that Christmas he bought us a new TV. Be careful what you wish for when Brian is listening because he just might make your wish come true.

Love this girl!

James's sister Carmen is so talented!

Snowflake temple with the fountain frozen.

2013

My new planner and budget book

Meal Planner and plant based

recipes.

  

Tue, Feb 23, 2021: Kinshasa, DR of Congo Temple, Charlie chasing a bird, left eye cataract surgery, indexing, blogging, walking, that's my life, Panda

 

Kinshasa, DR of Congo

163rd operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Apr 2019

By: Dale G. Renlund

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

Jacob 4:5

Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and His Only Begotten Son.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 15:1-30

D&C

18:17-33

"Come Follow Me"

The Lord rejoices when we repent.

OctGenCon

'Tested, Proved, And Polished'

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

You might reasonably wonder why a loving and all-powerful God allows our mortal test to be so hard. It is because He knows that we must grow in spiritual cleanliness and stature to be able to live in His presence in families forever. To make that possible, Heavenly Father gave us a Savior and the power to choose for ourselves by faith to keep His commandments and to repent and so come unto Him.

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S3

Joseph would be instrumental in its return.

The Living Christ

P2 S8

He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

James and I signed birthday cards for Joe and Adam who both have birthdays on Friday. We mailed them at the Vernon post office so I hope they get there on time.

I got up this morning and went to work, knowing I would be leaving at 1:00 for my cataract surgery.  I did laundry and dishes, blogged, indexed and walked before leaving at 1:00 p.m.

As I was called back to the surgery center,  which is on the first floor of the Barnet-Delaney-Perkins center, I was directed to a bed where my belongings, in a bag were put under the bed. I now have on a mask and a hair net on my head. There are three girls "helping" prepare me for surgery. First, they want to make me comfortable  by giving me a wedge pillow for my knees and a pillow under my neck. As soon as I was comfortable, they began poking both of my arms, and taking my blood pressure with a cuff that got really tight.

Soon the anethesiologist came and said he was going to give me something to help me relax but not fall asleep. Just as I was feeling good again and nice and relaxed, someone put oxygen tubes in my nose and a piece of cloth over my face. 

Soon Dr. Knippers was there. (BTW, I just found out he is on our stake high council). He began talking to me and telling me what he was going to do regarding removing cataracts and putting in a new lense. It took about 15 minutes and then it was over. I have to admit that I was in no pain but was getting a little claustrophobic because of the fabric over my face.

As I was laying on the bed after surgery I heard someone clear his throat and knew it was James. As soon as they were sure I could walk they had me sit in a chair by the door. I have an eye patch on my left eye. One of the nurses asks me if I am from St. Johns. I told her that my husband has relatives there but that I live in Vernon. One of the other nurses said her parents lived in Vernon. I asked who they were and she said Steve and Tina Allen. She is their daughter Madison who is married to Catherine Halcomb's grandson Chase. It's a small world, especially here in Show Low. As I was escorted out the door I was given a package of crackers and a small apple juice. 

James took me to the Panda drive-thru where we got dinner. We both got chow mein noodles. I got sesame chicken and James got mushroom chicken. We had a nice meal when we got home and it wasn't even four o'clock. It took a lot less time than I was first told. One of the nurses said to me that I was her favorite patient of the day. I said, "I bet you say that to all the patients." She said, "No, only to the last one of the day." I felt so special...not.

Since we finished our "Wedding Cake" book we started the last book in the series which I have already read..."Candy Cane Caper." We listened to a couple of chapters on the way home.

My indexing total for the month is now 4,232. Here are some of the occupations listed for between 1790's to 1900.

A malster, drugs, shoemaker, saloon owner, hostler, peddler, boxmaker, sells rags, cigar maker...some of them are so different from what we see now.

Although I only had one operating eye we still watched our episode of "Anne with an E."

Can you see the bird?

This is such a great post Kacey!

I just ordered a case of these,

I can hardly wait. Ben ate these when

he lost all of his weight on his mission.

Not sure where this picture came from,

but I love it so I'm posting it. One of the 

sweetest boys you will ever meet!

 

 

Mon, Feb 22, 2021: Rome Italy Temple, Tom Howard's viewing, funeral, and burial, Bandido's, Walmart, ready for "Come Follow Me" at our house, Evie Jiminez

 

Rome, Italy

162nd temple

Dedicated: 10 Mar 2019

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

2 Nephi 25:12

But, behold, they shall have wars, and rumors of wars; and when the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the Father, yea, even the Father of heaven and of earth, shall manifest himself unto them in the flesh, behold, they will reject him, because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 13:6-14:6

D&C

18:1-16

"Come Follow Me"

The worth of souls is great.

OctGenCon

'Let God Prevail'

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I grieve that our Black brothers and sisters the world over are enduring the pains of racism and prejudice. Today I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God's children.

 The question for each of us, regardless of race, is the same. Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S2

In this vision, he learned that following the death of the original Apostles, Christ's New Testament Church was lost from the earth.

The Living Christ

P2 S7

He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.

Today was Tom Howard's viewing, funeral and burial. James was asked to be an usher so he had to be at the church here in Vernon before 10. I went with him.

While he was out in the foyer ushering people in, I was sitting in the Relief Society room with Tom's family. I gave Jean a hug but she was surrounded by family members so I did not get to sit with her.  I wanted to talk to Cassie but I wasn't sure who she was as we have never actually met. I finally asked Jean who Cassie was and she introduced her to me.    

These are the members of Jean's family who were there with her:

Her daughter Deana and her husband Jimmy McNeil along with Deana's kids Hunter and her boyfriend, and Dakota and her husband Justin Nikolaus and their kids Berlin, Bryton, and a little girl whose name I don't know. Cassie and her husband Nate Westbrook and their two girls Hannah and Emma. Cassie's sister Tara and her two kids, a boy and a girl, and Dustin. Dustin, Tara, and Cassie are all grandchildren but Tom and Jean raised them as their children. 

Others who stayed for the viewing: Bishop and Anne Miller, they were visiting from Kansas. Ed and Debbie Miller. Ed was the first speaker at the funeral. Bishop Hunsaker, Colter, Hailey, Alicia, Sean and Stefani. Tamara and Kathy Crane. The DeWitt's came in and spoke to Jean but then they left. 

The funeral was small but I learned so much about Tom that I didn't know. Jason Rucker spoke. Jason was Tom's business partner in the insurance/financial planning department at Prudential. Jason lived in Ajo as a kid and when I told my friend Kerri, who was a border patrol agent in Ajo, she said his family owned a car dealership. Jason's dad and Cheryl Horne are first cousins. I asked him because I knew Cheryl was a Rucker.

Jason said he graduated from college with a degree in finance and went to Prudential on 24th St. and Camelback in Phoenix for a job interview. This was over 20 years ago. This is where he met Tom who was very successful in the field of financial planning. Tom told Jason that he shouldn't worry so much about numbers as he should about people. People want to know more about how much you care about them than how much you know. Tom was the top agent in this office and he and Jason began working together. Today Jason is worth millions of dollars. He didn't say that, but Tom has told James about him. Jason is also the person who first introduced Tom to the gospel and the plan of salvation so when he moved to Vernon he was ready to listen to the missionaries and be baptized. His family was so important to him and the thought of having an eternal family was something that he loved and a goal he wanted to accomplish.

Ed Miller spoke because Tom believes that Ed gave him a blessing once that saved his life. Stefani and Alicia Hunsaker sang "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." Tom had asked them years ago to sing these two songs at his funeral. Bishop Hunsaker conducted the meeting and gave some very good counsel to the family. He said how important being with his family forever was to Tom. He said that family members, none of who are active, needed to repent, just like everyone does,  and put their lives in order. He did this in a kind and loving way and James and I both saw Tara and Dustin shaking their heads yes.

Tom's granddaughter Dakota also spoke. She shared some stories about her grandpa. She went back and forth from calling him grandpa to dad. It seems that Tom was more like a dad to all of his grandchildren than a grandpa. Dakota said when she told her grandpa that she was pregnant he said, 'Yeah, I know, she came to me in a dream last night.' 

Tom loved little children and they loved him. I remember one time going to visit Jean with Kailee Nichols and her two little children Natalie and Guy. Dakota and her two small children were there too. Tom took all four kids in the other room and played with them so we could visit with Jean, Deana, Hunter, and Dakota. Tom loved being a Primary teacher and loved it when kids came to him to sit on his lap and talk to him.

After the funeral the family and those who wanted to, went to the Show Low Cemetery for the burial. Jean received an American flag for Tom's service in the military. Also, I forgot to mention that Tom was part Indian and he and Jean collected Indian blankets. He had one with him in his casket. I worry about Jean but hopefully her family will take care of her. When they arrived at the church for the funeral this morning, she said, "Oh, are we going to church?"

I love how Jason Rucker is standing by Dustin with his arms on his shoulders. I hope that he can be a mentor to Dustin as Tom as to him.

James and I came home and changed clothes and then went in to town to do some shopping. We stopped at Bandito's, a mexican food place, for lunch. I had a carnitas burro and James had a chicken burro. Mine was delicious. James said his was okay. 

We shopped at Walmart, I had my three recipes for the week picked out, shepherd's pie, chicken enchiladas, and chicken noodle soup. I also got stuff to fix the apple, cranberry walnut salad I fixed last week. Also I'm trying an experimental recipe called sweet potato lasagna. 

James and I were both tired when we got home. After putting the groceries away, we laid down for about an hour to rest, and then it was time to get ready for our "Come Follow Me" lesson that we are hosting this evening. I swept the kitchen and dining room floor and put a tablecloth on the table. James filled water glasses and cut up strawberries and put sugar on them. I had bought a bunt cake cut into fourths with four different flavors, sour cream, lemon, strawberry, and chocolate. We served bunt cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

The Crane's did not come this evening because Kathy had a stomach ache. The Peeler's and the Goodman's came without Vicky. We had a very enjoyable discussion of this week's lesson, Doctrine and Covenants 18-19 "The Worth of Souls is Great".

After everyone had left James and I watched the latest episode of the "Chronicle Mysteries" on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel before going to bed.

This morning when I was thinking about the funeral, shopping and then hosting "Come Follow Me" I was a little overwhelmed but James was right there to help me all the way and it felt good at the end of the day to have accomplished so much.

 

I guess I should have walked instead of watching

a show this evening.

Evie on her mission in Idaho. She was called to

Brazil but is serving in Idaho.

CakebyCourtney

 

Sun, Feb 21, 2021: Barranquilla, Colombia temple, Church and sacrament at home, Pam's friend, Charlie, Ander, Texas, "When Calls the Heart"

 

Barranquilla, Colombia

161st operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Dec 2018

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

D&C 49:5

Thus saith the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned -

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 12:1-13:5

D&C

Sections 14-17 Review

"Stand As A Witness"

OctGenCon

'I Believe in Angels'

Elder Carlos A. Godoy

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

We should remember that it is not easy for new converts, returning friends, and those with a different lifestyle to instantly fit in. The Lord is aware of the challenges they face, and He is looking for angels willing to help. The Lord is always looking for willing volunteers to be angels in others' lives.

Brothers and sisters, would you be willing to be an instrument in the Lord's hands? Would you be willing to be one of these angels?  To be an emissary, sent from God, from this side of the veil, for someone He is worried about? He needs you. They need you. 

Of course, we can always count on our missionaries. They are always there, the first ones to enlist for this angelic job. But they are not enough.

If you look around carefully, you will find many in need of an angel's help.

'We Talk Of Christ'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In emphasizing the name of the Church, President Nelson taught, "If we . . . are to have access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ - to cleanse and heal us, to strengthen and magnify us, and ultimately to exalt us - we must clearly acknowledge Him as the source of that power." President Nelson taught us that consistently using the correct name of the Church, something that might seem like a small thing, is not small at all and will shape the world's future.

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S1

In humility, we declare that in answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21).

The Living Christ

P2 S6

He entreated all to follow His example.

As I finally got up from my place on the recliner and I hobbled to the bathroom to take a shower. I hurt so bad it was difficult to lift my leg over the lip of the shower. I finally told James I was staying home. 

I need more time most mornings to "get going." I wish church was at 10 instead of 9, as I think that would help.

Before going to church James went out to feed Luna. He was out of oats, which he usually mixes with her feed, and when Luna saw the feed and there was no oats, she dumped it out on the ground and looked at James. James just walked away. She is like a spoiled child sometimes.

As James went off to church I got my Sunday journal and pen, and settled onto the recliner where I feel the most comfortable. I signed in to our ward's Zoom account and there was no video but there was audio. The audio was a little faint and went in and out a little. I was able to hear Elder Boyer, one of our missionaries, talk and bear testimony. He talked about one of the addresses by Jeffrey R. Holland, "Safety for the Soul." This is the missionary that James knows and loves.hre some notes from Elder Holland's talks:

"My beloved brothers and sisters, please understand that He who never sleeps nor slumbers cares for the happiness and ultimate exaltation of His children above all else that a divine being has to do. He is pure love, gloriously personified, and Merciful Father is His name. 

Faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf. That can be difficult in our modern world when many have come to believe that the highest good in life is to avoid all suffering, that no one should ever anguish over anything. But that belief will never lead us to 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.'"

Christianity is comforting, but it is often not comfortable. The path to holiness and happiness here and hereafter is a long and sometimes rocky one. 

I bear witness of God's love and of the Restoration of His glorious gospel, which is, in one way or another, the answer to every issue we face in life. In the redeeming name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

My friend Pam Giles was also on the Zoom broadcast. She saw that I was on and afterwards she texted me. "Did you have video on the Zoom?" I told her I didn't. And we discussed the problems on the broadcast for a few minutes and she then told me this:

"I received a call the other day. It was the girlfriend of a neighbor who recently died. She herself has terminal cancer. She asked if we could walk dogs together today. She is someone I have talked about faith with over the years. She tells me that she's considering baptism into the Church. She's taken all the lessons and the missionaries made her chicken noodle soup. She loves them, really what's not to love? She is having them over again on Thursday. She really does need a lot of TLC and the chicken noodle soup was a nice touch. 

Her name is Sherrie Swanson. She has had a really rough year. She had breast cancer a few years back but now she has pancreatic cancer which was diagnosed a few days after she found her boyfriend dead. The autopsy said heart failure, but he had shot himself accidentally a day or two before that. She fell at Christmas and cracked her skull and had to be flown to the valley. She's feeling better now. I'm telling you, when you have it bad, somebody else has got it worse. My heart goes out to Sherrie Swanson and I will be praying that she decides to get baptized.

I gradually began to feel better and was able to do some indexing and to work on my blog. Those were my main accomplishments today. This evening James and I did watch the season opener of 

"When Call the Heart."

She makes our Sabbath happy!