Thur, April 1st, 2021: Guatemala City Temple, Bluebonnets, Buccee's, Whitehouse, Texas, Jared and Kacey's,

 

Guatemala City, Guatemala

32nd operating temple

Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

Moses 6:57

Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

D&C

18:10-13; 19:16-19; 45:3-5; 76:69-70

"Come Follow Me"

Jesus Christ accomplished a "perfect atonement."

AprGenCon

'Welcome Message'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

My dear brothers and sisters, the strength of the Church lies in the efforts and ever-growing testimonies of its members. Testimonies are best cultivated in the home. During this past year, many of you have dramatically increased the study of the gospel in your homes. I thank you, and your children will thank you.

'God Among Us'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of these young people filled me with hope. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during these difficult times.

The message was that God lived and cared about us, even in these hours of turmoil, confusion, and chaos. That He actually appeared in our time to restore truth and light - His gospel and His Church. That He speaks to prophets again; that God is among us, and is personally involved in our lives and actively guiding His children.

Restoration Proclamation

P1

We solemnly proclaim that God loves HIs children in every nation of the world. God the Father has given us the divine birth, the incomparable life, and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. By the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death. He is our Savior, our Exemplar, and our Redeemer.

Before leaving Snyder we went back to the Whataburger on College Avenue to grab a junior burger. Lots of Whataburgers and lots of Dairy Queens but Kacey says they don't have cherry Dilly bars. How can they be considered full-fledged Dairy Queens?

We listened to scriptures in the car and then I read to James from our ebook and shared the audio book I am reading. 

After the Fort Worth/Dallas area it begins to get green and there are lots of big trees. We see a couple of Amish buggies, and Jared tells us to look for Blue Bonnet flowers. There are not too many that are open yet.

This part of Texas is beautiful except there are no mountains. There are some big homes with huge grassy lawns and red brick fences. James says this is called Texas Hill Country but I don't see any hills. 

Jared told us we needed to have a real Texas experience by stopping at Buccee's between Dallas and Tyler, which we did. It is a pretty amazing place and the gas was cheaper than anywhere else at $2.38 a gallon.

Buccee's is a huge rest stop, gas station and

convenience store, with super clean restrooms!

James says these little enclosures outside of 

Buccee's are for deer hunters to sit in. 

We got some warm candied pecans and some great barbeque sandwiches while at Buccee's. My pulled pork sandwich was so moist and delicious and James loved his brisket sandwich too!

I didn't get to look around much because James was anxious to get to

Jared and Kacey's. Jared told us about the 49 Toll road that cuts about 20 minutes off the drive so that's the way we went. When we arrived at Jared's Summer and Charlie answered the door. When I asked Charlie where her mom was she said, "She's been in her room all day." I think what she meant was Kacey was in her room right now. Tanner was there too and I think he was in a bit of hot water for missing some classes today. Jared got home from work shortly after we arrived. I felt pretty good this evening and spent some time playing with Charlie in her room. We were still full from our Buccee's stop so no need to have any dinner. Charlie seemed so happy to see us! She told me, "I'm glad you came to my house."

A quokka, looks a little Buccee.

My girls!

 

 

Wed, Mar 31, 2021: Taipei Taiwan Temple, Mom's passing 22 years ago, New Mexico and west Texas are barren and brown, paint ponies, Snyder, Texas, Days Inn, Charlie and Scarlett

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Nov 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

Moses 5:57

For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world.

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

D&C

18:10-13; 19:16-19; 45:3-5; 76:69-70

"Come Follow Me"

Because of Jesus Christ I will be resurrected.

OctGenCon

'Waiting on the Lord'

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As we now hear our beloved prophet close this conference, may we remember, as Russell Nelson has demonstrated all of his life, that those who "wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; . . . they shall walk and not faint." I pray that "by and by"- soon or late - those blessings will come to every one of you who seeks relief from your sorrow and freedom from your grief. 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."

'A New Normal'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

May we go forward together to fulfill our divine mandate-that of preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the LOrd. I so pray, with my expression of love for you, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Restoration Proclamation

P5 S4

As a companion scripture to the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies that all human beings are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven, that He has a divine plan for our lives, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks today as well as in days of old.

The Living Christ

P3 S2

He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross.

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of my mother's death. Stacy always remembers and sends me a text and sometimes flowers and a card. I miss my mom everyday. Her death comes at the same time that we celebrate Easter and the Resurrection. For that I am grateful. Because of Him I will see her again.

We left Vernon around 10 a.m. headed for Texas, but first comes dry and barren New Mexico. Pietown, something I used to be excited about, is just a spot on the road. They even had to cancel their pie festival because of Covid. 

We stopped at the Arby's in Socorro to get lunch but I didn't even get out of the car. These little towns are so dry and desolate looking it almost feels like we are in old Mexico. We crossed the Rio Grande river and it looked so muddy, but at least there was water running in it.

Sheri called me to tell me the latest Max episode. She went home for lunch and Max was there. His blood sugar was high so she got into an argument with him. She called the doctor and the doctor said to call the police, which she did. Sheri was upset because she called Ian and he got upset with her for calling him at work. Thank goodness Alex was there and helped her. He talked to Max for over an hour and Sheri was most grateful. 

The western part of Texas we went through is pretty barren like New Mexico. We saw a few oil riggs and some longhorn cattle and five paint ponies. By the time our trip is over we will have seen 10. We are partial to paint ponies.

We spent the night at the Days Inn, room 110 in Snyder, Texas. As soon as we checked in, which was a little before 10 pm, we went out to find a Whataburger. What did we ever do before we had smart phones where we could Google whatever we wanted? James and I both got Whataburger Jrs. and called them our dinner. 

James indexed and walked and we read scriptures together and then I worked on my blog. 

The first building we attended church in

when we first moved to Chandler.

 

 

 

Tue, Mar 30, 2021: Dallas Texas Temple, Sheri's text about Max, Delivering Easter baskets, Stake meeting in Lakeside with James,

 

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

Moses 5:7

And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

Book of Mormon

Jaron 1:1-15

D&C

29:26-27; 42:45-46; 63:49; 88:14-17, 27-31; 93:33-34

"Come Follow Me"

Jesus Christ lives.

OctGenCon

'Enduring Power'

Elder Kelly R. Johnson

Of the Seventy

During the time we have not been able to attend the temple, have we each relied upon the covenants we made in the temple to set a clear, unchanging course of direction in our lives? These covenants, if kept, give us vision and expectations regarding the future and a clear determination to qualify to receive all that the Lord has promised through our faithfulness.

I invite you to seek the power God wants to give you. I testify that as we seek for this power, we will be blessed with a greater understanding of the love our Heavenly Father has for us.

Restoration Proclamation

P5 S3

It teaches of life's purpose and explains the doctrine of Christ, which is central to that purpose.

The Living Christ

P3 S1

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

There was a mama elk and baby by Luna's corral this morning. I wonder if they were looking for water. This probably means that the fence is down somewhere.

I got a text from Sheri this morning about Max. He got kicked out of his AP history class and his diabetes is out of control, and he destroyed his phone. She says she lays up all night worrying and doesn't know what to do anymore. Why is being a parent so difficult? Sometimes it's hard to turn things over to the Lord when you see your children making such horrible mistakes. You want them to stop right now!  Why have our grandkids had such a difficult time growing up? I pray for the older ones to have an experience that will put them back on the gospel path and I pray that the younger ones will have a desire to stay faithful. We have been asked to gather scattered Israel and prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior and yet our family is in a crisis.

My goal this morning was to finish the Easter baskets I made for Cammy, Tanna, and Catherine and Kerri. James when to town. As soon as he got back he helped me deliver my baskets. He is such a sweetie! Tanna was home and outside so I stepped out of the car to say hello. She has gone back to work and I suppose the babies daddy is taking care of him while she is gone. I went in to say hello to Catherine, she insisted. Kerri wasn't home. Catherine was excited to tell me the news that Kerri has an offer on her house in Ajo. 

At the Grapp's we both went in. Benson had to tell us that he is playing Little League ball and he took James back to his bedroom to show him everything he built with the Lego set we got him. James was impressed! We love the Grapp's and their kids! Cammy and Thomas told me about a mouse infestation they had and how they had to take everything out of the years supply room. They are at war with the mice and eventually the Grapp's will win!

James and I attended a stake meeting for Elders Quorum Presidencies and Relief Society Presidencies at the stake center in Lakeside. I wouldn't help but compare the logistics of this meeting with the stake Relief Society meeting we had a few weeks ago. That meeting was in the chapel and we were spread out all over the chapel and the leaders on the stand were every other chair and almost everyone had a mask on. This meeting tonight were all crowded into the Primary room sitting around the stake presidency who did not have masks. Maybe two people or three people wore masks. I guess a new directive has come out since that last meeting. 

At this meeting this evening we were instructed by our stake presidency, President Beeler, President Alder, and President Smithson. We talked about priesthood keys and priesthood authority and how women are equal partners with men in the priesthood. It was a good meeting. Everyone in our ward was in attendance except Chuck Crane, and Brother Patrick.

I love the look on this baby hippos face!

 

 

Mon, Mar 29, 2021: Manila Philippines Temple, Jean's Memorial Service, Dickie's, Charlie, Scarlett, Trenda's baby blessed,

 

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son

Moses 4:3

Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;

Book of Mormon

Enos 1:11-27

D&C

29:5; 38:7; 62:1; 76:11-14, 20-24, 110:1-10

"Come Follow Me"

Easter "I Am He Who Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain"

OctGenCon

'Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We can assess our own progress. We can know "that the course of life that we are pursuing is according to God's will" when we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. We assimilate the attributes of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ into our character, and we love one another.

'Doors of Death'

Russell M. Nelson

April 1992

Restoration Proclamation

P5 S2

Pages of this sacred text include an account of the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among people in the Western Hemisphere soon after His Resurrection.

The Living Christ

P2 S8

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

Two elk calves were out grazing next to Luna's corral this morning. When James went out to feed Luna they acted like they didn't even notice him. 

I got a message from Dave's first wife Sandy on messenger asking me to call her, which I did this morning. Sandy and I were next door neighbors for years and we raised our kids together. She was a good friend. It was enjoyable talking to her. She told me about her life and her kids and I shared some things with her. She and her sister Cindy are coming to Show Low sometime in April and would like to get together for lunch. She also asked me to invite Vickie too. I told her I would love to see her and we said our goodbyes.

James and I attended the services for my dear friend Jean Howard today at the Owens Livingston Funeral Home in Show Low. Jean looked beautiful in her casket with her temple robes on. She looked so peaceful. I know she is in a happier place with Tom and the two boys she lost, and that she is pain free. I will miss her so very much.

Friends and family members were invited to come up and share stories about Jean. I was the first to get up. I talked about how we loved to go to lunch together and how I loved and respected her so much because of all the pain she had been through and how she never complained. She was truly one of my very best Vernon friends.

James also got up and shared a memory. He told about going to the temple with Jean and Tom a couple of times to do family names. He said that Tom was the best friend he had in Vernon.

I am going to miss her so much!

We did not go to the cemetery afterwards. We were tired and hungry and went to the Dickie's in Lakeside for some bbq. James got the brisket and I got a baked potato the size of a football with pulled pork and onion rings on top. I couldn't even eat half of it.

James got his new computer screen in the mail today and was so excited to get it installed on his computer. He was proud of himself for saving $250. The sad thing is, now he can't find his mouse!

We got our stimulus check automatically deposited into our account today. It was a nice surprise to have an extra $2,800.

I walked this afternoon and listened to my audio book "Georgana's Secret." 

For FHE with read from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and part of the Easter lesson in the "Come Follow Me" manual. Afterwards we watched another episode of the British murder mystery, "Death in Paradise."

Memory of when we went to Texas for 

Charlie's baby blessing

I'm wondering if my grandpa Strickland

built either of these bridges

Emery blessed baby Emmett today

The last day I got 10,000 steps or more

for over a week.