Tue, May 4th, 2021: Regina Saskatchewan Temple, Concrete pour at Casa Grande Airport, CWIC, Safeway, Deseret Bk, Costco, Cafe Rio, Lois's, Sheri's, Ruby and Lola

Regina, Saskatchewan

65th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ, Power of

D&C 88:7

Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22

D&C

46:1-6

"Come Follow Me"

All earnest seekers are welcome to worship in the Lord's Church.

AprGenCon

'Hearts Knit Together'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Was it possible that researchers had done something to influence the results? As they pursued this, they discovered that every rabbit with fewer fatty deposits had been under the care of one researcher. She fed the rabbits the same food as everyone else. But, as one scientist reported, "she was an unusually kind and caring individual." When she fed the rabbits, "she talked to them, cuddled and petted them. ...

'She couldn't help it. It's just how she was. She did more than simply give the rabbits food. She gave them love!

The Articles of Faith

#5

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

James leaves early but not before we had family prayer. He is going to the concrete pour in Casa Grande. Darrel had told me he would take me to Costco this morning but James says he wants to go and should be home by 1 p.m. I told Darrel before he left for the gym. 

I had the morning to myself with Darrel at the gym, Trina at work, and the kids at school. I got the piano bench in the upstairs common area and made myself a desk in Rowan's room, and set up my computer. I worked on my blog while listening to Greg Madsen on CWIC talk about the Doctrine of Christ. It was very good and I took lots of notes. He put things in a little different perspective than I have ever heard before. Jesus Christ condescended through His birth, baptism and bearing our sins. 

I forgot to mention something that Trina told us last night. Fulton Homes is giving refunds to people who bought homes to be built. They are saying it is because of the lack of supply of lumber. James said that lumber has gone up 300%, from $20,000 on the house he is bidding on in Maricopa to $70,000. Concrete has gone up from $20,000 to $40,000. Wow!

When James got home this afternoon we began doing our errands. First we went to Safeway where we got an orchid for his mom and a card, and an orchid for Trina and Darrel. We went back to Darrel and Trina's and dropped off their orchid. Addy was home and said she really liked it. 

Our next stop was Deseret Book. I went in to pick up the 40 plastic vials we had set aside while James walked over to Cafe Rio to order us some lunch. I had the sweet pork salad and he had the salad with chicken. We took our leftovers with us and headed for Costco. At Costco we got the items we needed for our ward activity this month,

buns, cups, spoons, and small dessert plates. 

When we got to Lois's the door was unlocked so we did a quick knock and walked in. I don't know why we didn't take a picture of the orchid we got Lois, but it was beautiful. The TV was on and the news was on and there was an announcement that Governor Ducey had signed a bill making it legal for community colleges to give four year degrees. This is good news because it will be so much less expensive than going to one of the universities.

We had a nice visit with Lois and then Dawn came in and joined us. She had been at ASU. Her friend is receiving two doctorate degrees. Dawn has had her doctorate for several years now.

Lois offered us some earthquake cake. It was delicious! I may have to make this the next time we have the "Come Follow Me" group at our house. 

We left a little before six because we were supposed to be at Sheri's house by six. When we arrived the two missionaries assigned to Sheri's ward, Sheri, and Ben were all talking in the family room. Ian, Max, and Evan were all in their rooms. The missionaries are both from Idaho. Sheri said they had both served in Yuma. I asked if they knew any Kempton's and one of them said there was a stake president with the last name of Kempton. I texted Jared and he said yes, it was John. I knew he had been a bishop but did not know he was a stake president. That is great!

After the elders left James went into Max's room to talk with him. Sheri wanted us to give him a blessing and encourage him to get his patriarchal blessing. Sheri is still stressed because Max did not go to math today. Also she said one of the reasons he is not giving himself insulin may be because Ian has talked about how expensive it is going to be for Max when Ian retires and the family doesn't have his good insurance. Max told James he might like a blessing, he would think about it. In other words, I don't want one right now. James said when he went into Max's room he was working on math homework. Max is assuring Sheri that he will get all of his assignments turned in. Hopefully he's not too late.

Congratulations to Shayna for graduating from ASU. Her mom is giving her a surprise party next week and all of the Trezise's are invited. They all love Shayna.

Back at Darrel's he had made hamburgers for dinner because Trina worked again today. I had one without a bun and then I visited with Ruby and Lola. Addy was at work again tonight. I think Rowan was upstairs. Ruby had seen some of the earlier season episodes of "When Calls the Heart." I told her that this week was the finale and that Elizabeth was going to choose between two men, Lucas and Nathan, as to whom she would like to have a relationship with. I showed her some videos on YouTube of Nathan and Elizabeth and Lucas and Elizabeth. She said, "Please let me know which one she chooses." I told her I would. I think one of Ruby's favorite songs is "Day Dream Believer" because she asked me to play it. I found a video of it on YouTube with the Monkees singing it. Lola came over and asked if I wanted to do a puzzle with her on her tablet. I said I did, we did a couple of puzzles and then it was time for Lola to go to bed. James was already upstairs so I said good night to Ruby and went to bed.

Tanna's son. James and I minister to Tanna.

Scarlett and friend

Charlie's unicorn

Found this at Sheri's.

Ben's beard tamer.

Smile Paul!

Lunch at Cafe Rio

   

 

Mon, May 3rd, 2021: Halifax Nova Scotia Temple, Affirmation, Rain, Trip to Valley, Casa Grande Airport, Darrel & Trina's, Tumbling Recital, Rowan's room

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

64th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

D&C 84:20

Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:28-22:9

D&C and "Come Follow Me"

Sections 46-48 "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts"

RIC - Religious Enthusiasm Among Early Ohio Converts

AprGenCon

'Teaching in the Savior's Way'

Jan E. Newman

Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

The scriptures indicate that the Savior's ministry in ancient America was so impactful and widespread that "the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another."

How can our teaching have a similar effect on those we love? 

How can we teach more like the Savior and help others become more deeply converted? 

The Articles of Faith

#4

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Affirmation for this week's Inklings Institute study:

Jesus Christ is the caregiver of my soul. As I come unto Him I can know freedom from sin, relief from pains and strength to overcome any weakness.

I worked on my blog this morning while James worked on the fence.

I finished posting thru Saturday but then I realized I forgot the most important post. James heard some ravens and saw them circling around a tree. He saw something solid in the tree which he thought to be a nest. He was curious to see if there were little birds in the nest so of course he climbed the tree. I went back to Saturday's post and put this story in, in more detail.

It was starting to rain when we left Vernon somewhere around 4 p.m.

James went the Payson way for me. I do appreciate him doing this just for me. We stopped at the Culver's in Payson for dinner. I got a burger, James got a fish sandwich. When we got to the valley we went directly to the Casa Grande Airport where James is pouring concrete for a guy named Cannon Hills from Washington state. I think he got James's name from Greg H. James looked at the spot they were to pour concrete in the morning and decided it was ready. 

We then went to Darrel and Trina's which took about 45 minutes. It was 8:30 when we got there so we were a little disruptive right before Lola's bedtime. Rowan, Ruby, and Lola all came out to help us carry in our suitcases to Rowan's room. Addy was gone to work.

Lola showed me a video of her dance and Ruby's dance at their tumbling-dance recital. Trina sold ShopWhirlyGirl leotards to all of the girls in the concert. There were over 200 girls. She said when they came out in the leotards it made her feel so good!

Darrel and Trina told us a story about a guy in their neighborhood who had some teenagers over and offered liquor to them. He also had a gun and pointed it at one of the youth. Anyway he got arrested, as he should have. James said the youth were to blame for taking the liquor, which was true, but the burden of responsibility is with this guy who, as an adult, was responsible.

Thanks again Rowan for letting us sleep in your room.

 

Sun, May 2nd, 2021: Detroit Michigan Temple, Fast & Testimony Mtg, Kathy's blessing, Facetime, Charlie, Scarlett, Holly

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Power of

D&C 76:24

That by Him, and through Him, and of Him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:9-27

D&C

Review section 45

"Come Follow Me"

Review the lesson, "The Promises Shall Be Fulfilled"

AprGenCon

'Essential Conversations'

Sister Joy D. Jones

To our Heavenly Father, children have never been secondary - they have always been "primary."

He trusts us to value, respect, and protect them as children of God.

That means we never harm them physically, verbally, or emotionally in any way, even when tensions and pressures run high. Instead we value children, and we do all we can to combat the evils of abuse. Their care is primary to us - as it is to Him.

Articles of Faith

#3

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Woke up at 5:05 but didn't get up until 5:25. I went over to my desk and did some planning and praying. I prayed for Tanner and Max who seem to be having the most difficulty at this time and because we are fasting for them. James and I had family prayer and scripture study from the Book of Mormon, something we sometimes forget to do on Sunday mornings. I also studied President Nelson's talk on faith in preparation for Relief Society next week. 

James got to church in time to help prepare the sacrament as he is helping to bless it today. We have so few worthy youth that the Melchizedek priesthood has to help out each week. 

I gave Maxine her dozen rolls. I tried to be discreet and I'm glad she sits on the back row. We sat by the Halcomb's but I've decided that this has to be our last week because Kerri has to go in and out to run the Zoom broadcast and with us on the end, we are in her way. 

Brother Grapp conducted our fast and testimony meeting this morning. I had not intended to bear my testimony today especially since I had just spoken last week. As someone was testifying that Jesus is the Christ and President Russell M. Nelson is the Prophet today I was reminded of a story Sister Dew shared in her talk at women's conference. She, Elder Rasband, and someone involved in the church's media department met with President Nelson last fall to discuss the need for President Nelson to give a message of hope to the world. The consensus was that it would be a good thing to do but no definite plans were made. The next morning the other members of the committee got a message from President Nelson. He said that he had received revelation from the Lord during the night. He said the Lord wanted him to give a message of hope to the world. It was to be given the following Friday and then he gave a specific time frame for this message. Sister Dew said the committee would never have suggested that the message be given on a Friday and would never have agreed to the length of the message mentioned by President Nelson. The message was given as part of the #givethanks campaign and was given on November 20, 2020. She said this message was heard by more people in the world than any message from a prophet ever before. I testified that I knew that Jesus Christ was the head of this Church and that he speaks to His prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. I felt so compelled to get up and give this testimony that I knew if I didn't I would regret it later because the opportunity would have been lost. Very seldom do I feel so compelled to bear my testimony but I am grateful that I did today.

Brother Allen shared that he and his wife went to the valley yesterday and visited their daughter Heidi and her family. Heidi had arranged for all of them to go to "Feed My Starving Children" and pack food to be distributed to needy countries around the world. Brother Allen said they showed a video about a 12 year old girl in Uganda who starved to death. Others around her tried to comfort her but could not offer food because they didn't have any either. Brother Allen mentioned how this experience touched him and made him more aware of the blessings he has in his life. He challenged Talon W. to bear his testimony. Talon has been living in Washington state but just happened to be here today. He served a mission in Uganda and he testified of the faith of the Saints in that country. He said he knew of people who would get up and walk six miles to church but did not have any food in their home. They sacrificed to be obedient and were blessed because of it.  It was a wonderful testimony and encouraged James and I that we should increase our fast offerings. 

James had an opportunity to give a blessing this afternoon. Kathy Crane is still having stomach pain which causes her to be nauseous. She has been to many doctors for this problem and no one has been able to help her. Kathy knows of the blessing I received for my back and sciatic nerve pain. Chuck told James earlier when he heard this story: "Maybe you should give Kathy a blessing because I don't seem to be able to help her." I'm not sure of this is why they asked James to give Kathy a blessing, but I think it may have had something to do with it.  I asked James what he said in the blessing. He said he couldn't remember but that he felt good about what he had said.

James broke his fast with steak, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, and homemade rolls. Afterwards he did some indexing and then went in to take a nap. I worked on my blog this afternoon. 

Tamara informed us that we would not be giving our lesson on faith next week. Bishop Hunsaker wants all the women to come into the third overflow for Mother's Day. He said he was going to make his famous fruit salad and we were going to talk about mothers. This means our lesson will be put off until June 6th and Becky Skousen's lesson will be on June 27th. I'm excited to try Bishop Hunsaker's fruit salad. I had no idea it was famous.

This evening we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. James just said to me the other day how much he missed Facetiming with them so I was excited when they contacted us and ask if tonight would be good. They had taken a walk and found a spot to do some sidewalk chalk art. Charlie had to show us her "dirty" hands covered with purple. We didn't talk too long before Charlie was ready to go home and take a bath. She started walking by herself but when she noticed mama and dad weren't coming she came back. We are so grateful for these sessions!

James and I watched the 11th episode of season 8's "When Calls the Heart." Next week is the finale and Elizabeth will either choose Nathan or Lucas. 

Palmer and Scarlett

Holly has gone to heaven.

I wonder if she's still living the good life.