Sat, May 1st, 2021: Columbia South Carolina Temple, James helps several people move, fence work, Ravens Nest, I organize a closet, cook,call ministering sisters

 

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

D&C 76:10

For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will - yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:12-21:8

D&C

Saints Vol. 1, ch aa, pgs 119-24; D&C 45:11-15, 66-71

"Come Follow Me"

Zion is a place of safety for the Saints.

AprGenCon

'Welcome Message'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

  This last year has been one for the record books. No doubt we have each learned things we did not know previously. Some lessons that I knew before have been written on my heart in new and instructive ways.

For example I know for sure that the Lord directs the affairs of His Church. He said, "I will show you that I am able to do mine own work."

'God Among Us'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

This time of bleakness after World War II left its mark upon the world. It left its mark upon me. Back then, in the solitude of my loneliest hours, I often wondered, "Is there any hope left in the world?"

The Articles of Faith

#2

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

Up at 5:21. Every morning I take my thyroid pill and then wait at least 30 minutes. James always brings me my oatmeal after taking my pill. I work in front of the computer. It's where I study my scriptures, listen to "CFM" podcasts, and work on my blog. 

When I was finished studying this morning I went in to the kitchen to start a batch of rolls. I am going to make two dozen and give a dozen to Maxine for her birthday. She lives in a travel trailer and does not have an oven. She and her husband Gary love my rolls.

I had a goal this week to clean at least one closet. I chose the one in the hallway by the laundry room. I should have taken a before picture but here is an after picture.

You really can't appreciate this unless you

had seen it before. James can appreciate it.

I registered for the BYU Women's Conference and got access to all 35 classes. I listened to Sheri Dew's keynote address, my friends Emily and Rio, Sister Jamie Glenn and Brother Carl Hernandez who both taught classes on faith. I did this while preparing mashed potatoes, brown gravy and steak, and green beans with bacon. We wanted to eat early so we could start our fast early. We are fasting for Tanner and Max.

James helped several people move today. Our friend Vicky is finally moving in to her home after waiting since November. Pierce's daughter and her husband are moving upstairs in his building and the Elder's Quorum, including James helped them move in. There was also another couple that bought a piece of property from the Peeler's who moved in. James did not get an introduction so he doesn't know their names. He said the husband has alzheimers.

When James got home he told me that Owen had indexed 20,000 names for April. James did 6,000 and I did 5,000. Our monthly total was 31,000. I wonder what the other 10 people who made contributions in April did. Without Owen we are toast.

James did not stop working when he got home. He went out and worked on the fence. He is determined to fix it so that Luna can't get out. While he was working on the fence he noticed a couple of ravens flying around in circles overhead. He looked up and in a nearby tree he saw a solid mass that he presumed was a nest. One time when he was their home teacher he told the story of Pete the Crow, who was actually a raven, to Bishop Hunsaker's family. Bishop told James he would love Colter, his only son, to have the experience of raising a raven as a pet. Since that time James has been on the look out for a baby raven. He thought their might be some in this nest so off he went, up the tree. What? A 73 year old man who has fallen and broken his leg, and who was recently bucked off a horse and broken five ribs, is climbing a tree for no other reason than to look into a raven's nest. I'm glad I was in the house and didn't see this happen. Anyway, he got to the nest, which is very deep because the mama and papa bird don't want the little ones to fall out, all he saw was two eggs. The two birds were cawing and flying around and could have in and of themselves brought danger to James and also could have caused him to fall. I guess his guardian angel was looking over him because he made it down safely to share his story. 

 After our lunch I put the steak in the crockpot to cook longer because it was quite chewy. It cooked the rest of the afternoon so it should be good for tomorrow. 

I called all of the sisters in my ministering district who have new assignments for the new month. So far I only had two sisters that turned me down. One was Ginger and she said she would think about it. The other sister just said no. I think it is because she has health problems.

I watched a Christmas movie on my phone while working. "Random Acts of Christmas" starring Erin Cahill, Kevin McGarry, and Jaclyn Smith. Jaclyn is a year older that me. She looks good except she has had way too much plastic surgery. She has what my friend Kay called "frog lips."

How to increase faith

Salt River wild horses

The General Sunday School President

I listened to him tell about finding out

he had cancer.

Fri, Apr 30th, 2021: Bismarck North Dakota Temple, Stacy's report on Florida, General Sessions of BYU Women's Conference, Deanna's text, Holly Gordon's, Scarlett

 

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

D&C 50:27

Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

D&C

45:60-75

"Come Follow Me"

Stand in Holy Places.

AprGenCon

"Covid-19 and Temples"

President Russell M. Nelson

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

Keep you temple covenants and blessings foremost in your minds and hearts. Stay true to the covenants you have made.

Articles of Faith

#1

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, in His Son, 

Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

 Up at 6 a.m. "I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves." - Joseph Smith.

I got a call from Stacy this morning. She wanted to tell me about her trip to Florida. They loved the Star Wars ride, "Rise of the Resistance". She said it was incredible. The loved Harry Potter World at Universal Studios and they loved going to the Everglades and looking for alligators. Those were the three favorites. Stacy has a condition where she cannot be out in the sun when the UV rays are the strongest. She says she is allergic to the sun. It's a type of lupus called Dischoid Lupus. She said she was fine when she was in Florida but when she got home her face and hands and feet swelled up and she had to stay home for 3 days. Glad they all had a good time. She said Joshua never complained even when they had to wait long periods of time. She said at that age I'm sure I wouldn't have been as patient and I agreed with her.

I listened to the Thursday afternoon general session of Women's Conference and then the Friday morning general session. That is all you can watch without paying for classes. I listened to all of the YW General Presidency speak, and Brother Steven J. Lund the YM General President. On Friday morning they did a sister to sister session where sisters could write in questions to ask. They had one member of each of the women's organizations on the panel: Sister Craig from the YW, Sister Eubank from the Relief Society, and Sister Porter from the Primary. It was so good. The moderator had actually visited each of the sisters before hand about their families and we got to watch the videos. Sister Eubank's parents when she was a teenager, came up with a plan to help their children raise money for college, and missions. They would plant three thousand trees to grow and sell to people for landscaping. The problem is they planted the trees too close together and the roots intertwined. They were never able to sell any trees, but as Sister Eubank stood in a grove of trees she said this was one of her favorite places in the world. 

Sister Craig has three children and 10 young grandchildren. They love to get together on Sundays for dinner. We saw her in her home with her family preparing and then eating dinner. Sister Craig had one of her grandchildren sitting on her lap while she was eating.

Sister Porter, who is Bruce Porter's widow, said her family gets together via Zoom once a week and the grandchildren share with her what they have been doing during the week. 

The question and answer session was really good. You got to see these women as possible friends rather than just a distant leader.

Brother Ronald A. Rasband was the final speaker on Friday morning. He was so humble and spiritual. I could listen to him teach from the scriptures all day. Since I enjoyed these sessions so much I decided to register and purchases the 35 classes. 

I got a text from Deana, Tom and Jean's daughter this morning. She wanted me to know that her brother Steven who had been at Jean's funeral had passed away. It has not been a good year for the Howard family thus far. I told her how sorry I was and tried to comfort her.

James was at Holly Gordon's today when he wasn't working on our fence. He and Chuck and Pierce are trying to move a building and put it on a concrete slab they had poured. He came home very discouraged. He said every time they tried to move the building it would fall apart. They worked all day and did not accomplish their goal. In fact he said they took a step backwards because the building is now in worse shape than it was. He said the three men were discouraged but Holly was very positive. James said he needs to think about what to do next before he goes back and tries again.

I started a new audio book for when I walk. It is called "Isabelle and Alexander."

The Pope boys. I was there mom's visiting teacher.

Thur, Apr 29th, 2021: Columbus Ohio Temple, Inklings Institute lessons, BYU Women's Conference, James digs holes for money, Grombach's, Charlie, Mollys baptism, Luna, Jon & Jamie,

 

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

 D&C 19:2-3

2 I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me- having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself-

3 Retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:1-24

D&C

45:45-59; 45:11-75

"Come Follow Me"

The Lord's promises will be fulfilled.

AprGenCon

'The Principles of My Gospel'

(Doctrine and Covenants 42:12)

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency.

The Family Proclamation

P9

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Up at 5:48, still struggling to make it to 5. I guess I need to go to bed a little earlier.

I listened to an Inklings broadcast with Emily and Rio this morning. Our study for the next six months is finding ways to increase our faith as President Nelson asked us to do in his address on Sunday morning: "Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains."

We studied his talk the first week of our study. I was a week behind so this is week 2. The topic is still, increasing our faith to move mountains in our life. This week Rio discussed Elder Dube's conference address, "Pressing Toward the Mark." Here are some notes: We are all walking each other home. Instead of looking at life as a solo race, let's look at it as a relay. Run with patience. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Here is the affirmation for this lesson. Toward the mark. As I leave behind past fears, doubts, and temptations, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP while I find joy in the process of my becoming.

Emily discussed Hebrews 11, people who had faith and what happened because of it. We also looked up faith in the Bible Dictionary. Here are some notes: To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. Faith requires action. Faith is participating in the miracles of your life. What does faith look like?

I also listened to this week's Inklings class by Emily and Rio but before I share my notes I wanted to share the first week's affirmation from President Nelson's talk: I am believing, and choose to stay faithful even when questions arise. My faith is small, but growing - enough to move mountains and unlock the power of God in my life.

Here are my notes from this week's lesson: The talk was by Elder Jose A. Teixeira, "Remember Your Way Back Home". 

Affirmation: I am returning to my heavenly home where their loving embrace awaits. My divine heritage will guide me and my faith in Christ will strengthen me as I recognize the path He has marked before me. 

*We are wanderers in a strange land journeying to our eternal home. 

*Recognize and Rekindle.

1. Remember that we are children of God.

2. Remember the foundation that protects us. Be righteous, true, and faithful.

3. Remember to be prayerful.

4. Remember to serve others, quality, not necessarily quantity.

Whatever you must leave behind to follow the path to your heavenly home will one day seem like no sacrifice at all. 

Emily took us to the Bible Dictionary again this week. We looked up Prayer - The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings. 

Emily also shared some thoughts from a talk given by President Nelson back in 1997. The name of the talk was "Latter-day Saints in Very Deed." In this talk President Nelson shared the scripture that begins, Whatever ye shall ask...I think I need to look at the talk because my notes seem a little confusing. Let's see if I can make sense of them here as I rewrite them. Here are five things we need to do when we pray.

1. ASK

2. In my name or authority 

3. Pray for that which is good. Ask yourself, Is this good?

4. Believe He can provide the means.

5. It shall be done. He can do it.

As we partake of the sacrament we receive strength through Grace. 

Today James finished digging holes for Anthony's neighbor. He earned another $300. Woohoo! Anthony works at a bakery and he sent home a sweet roll. There go my diet plans for today. 

I made carnita and bean toastados for lunch with the "box" of carnita meat that James bought a while back. The meat was great and the toastados were delicious. James went to the post office this afternoon and paid our rent for our tiny mailbox. The rent is $114 a year. He saw the Grombach's at the post office and Willy invited him to his baptism on May 8th. They said they liked our talks at Church and when James said he didn't see them, they said they were at home watching on Zoom. I wonder how long they are going to keep these Zoom broadcasts going. James also helped Pierce's son Vance move in to his home this afternoon. 

I paid bills, and began removing merchant fulfilled books from my Amazon store. It's closing down!

While I was working on the computer I watched the Thursday morning general session of BYU Women's Conference. The Relief Society Presidency and the Primary Presidency all spoke as did the General Sunday School President Brother Pace. I really enjoy being able to watch things on my phone while I am working on my computer. 

I also am reading a new audio book called, "Cookies To Die For."

Not the best book I've ever read but it keeps me entertained while I am walking.

You gotta love this girl!

Molly looks so little, 3 1/2 yrs ago

Distractions

Luna looking for James

Jon and Jamie

 

Wed, Apr 28th, 2021: Spokane Washington Temple, Charlie is sick, Indexing, EQRS mtg, snow, rain, thunder, etc., 12,000 steps or so

 

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

Mosiah 3:5

For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

D&C

45:22-44; 45:9-10

"Come Follow Me"

The gospel is a standard to the nations.

AprGenCon

'The Gospel Light of Truth and Love'

By Elder Alan R. Walker

Of the Seventy

I testify that the gospel light of truth and love shines brightly throughout the earth today.

The Family Proclamation

P8

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

I was up at 5:30 this morning, only 30 minutes late. I was determined to finish my 5,000 indexing names so I could focus on catching up on my blog. I managed to finish about 400 names to make my goal. 

We got a little more snow today but nothing that stayed very long. We also had rain and very loud thunder!

For lunch today be had BBQ chicken pizza, a frozen California Pizza from Walmart. It was delicious. Finished off the bag of salad we had in the frig.

We had an Elder's Quorum/Relief Society meeting at the church tonight. James read the indexing stats for our ward so far. We had 13 people participate in April and our total was over 31,000. The only disappointing thing is out of all those 36 people James asked to index, only 13 are doing it. 31,000 is amazing for one month. I'm guessing Brother Peeler did a good share of that number. James did 6,000 and I did 5,000. Most of our meeting was spent planning a meal for Saturday, May 15th at the Wallace's after the Priesthood Commemoration camp out. I went home with the assignment to buy dessert plates, spoons, and plastic cups. James has to get hamburger buns for 100 people. They are doing a pit bbq. 

After the Elder's Quorum presidency left our presidency talked about the lesson we are teaching on May 9th. The three of us are teaching so I divided the lesson in thirds. There are 33 paragraphs so each of us will have 11 paragraphs and about 10-11 minutes to present. The talk we will be teaching is the one by President Nelson in the Sunday morning session, "Christ is Risen; Faith in Him will Move Mountains." I am taking the first part of the lesson which discusses what faith is and that faith can grow from the size of a mustard seed to where it is big enough to move mountains. Kerri has the middle part about ways to develop faith. And Tamara has the last part about miracles. Tamara told some funny stories about getting her pig and dog back in their pens when they escaped. She thought getting the pig to go into his cage was a miracle but her husband said no. I told her that women would think it was a miracle but the men wouldn't. She told of another incident which she considered a miracle regarding getting her sister Julie's car into town to get it fixed. It wasn't working and then all of a sudden the engine sounded normal and she was able to drive into town.  When she got into town at the car repair shop a huge puff of smoke came from under the engine. 

I love the women I work with. We have so much fun when we get together!

So sorry

Tue, Apr 27th, 2021: Guayquil Ecuador Temple, Anthony's friend, Shopping, Chicken Ramen noodle soup, Snow, sleet, rain, sunshine, wind, Miller's,

 

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

2 Nephi 28:15

O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:1-16

D&C

45:9-21; 45:1-5

"Come Follow Me"

Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father.

AprGenCon

'Why the Covenant Path'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The difference of the covenant path is uniquely and eternally

significant.

The Family Proclamation

P7

 The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

Some funny notes on indexing. Last names: Hassenfratz, Hassfurdhur, Hanpelshoffer. Samuel Simpson was colored and his occupation was a whitewasher. 

I watched and listened to Ben Wilcox on "Teaching with Power" as part of my "Come Follow Me" study. While working at my computer I finished watching "Miss Potter" and was so impressed with the beautiful scenery near the end of the movie. 

James went out to work for Anthony's neighbor today. He dug about 30 holes until his auger broke down. The neighbor gave him $300. He gave me the money along with paying for my prescriptions today and a $50 gift card.  

The weather was crazy today. We had snow, rain, sleet, sunshine and wind. It was like all four seasons in one day. 

I made homemade chicken noodle soup today using Ramen noodles. It was the best chicken noodle soup I have ever made. I think it was the seasoning packet with the noodles. James loved it too. We ate soup for lunch and then this afternoon we went grocery shopping.

After getting my prescriptions James actually shopped with me and then helped me check out. It was nice. I like shopping when he is so helpful.

This evening I walked, indexed, and blogged.

Kay Adams, one of the boys I went out with,

lived in this cabin until his dad built them

another home.