Tue, May 18th, 2021: Medford Oregon Temple - An"thony's friends work, Sholo Everlasting Monuments, Walmart, "Danger on Loch", "Until Vienna", Directories gone

 

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Prophecies of

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:1-18

D&C

52

"CFM"

The Lord wants me to be a faithful, just, and wise steward.

AprGenCon

'What We Are Learning And Will Never Forget'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

Often when the Lord warns us about the perils of the last days, He counsels thus: "Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved." These "holy places" certainly include the Lord's temples and meetinghouses. But as our ability to gather in these places has been restricted in varying degrees, we have learned that one of the holiest of places on earth is the home - yes, even your home.

Restoration Proclamation

P#6

We declare that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized on April 6, 1830, is Christ's New Testament Church restored. This Church is anchored in the perfect life of its chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and in His infinite Atonement and literal Resurrection. Jesus Christ has once again called Apostles and has given them priesthood authority. He invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.

Inklings

Affirmation

Though I may not understand the unfairness of mortality, I know that my Savior does. His suffering and love holds the remedy for each of us to be of good cheer, even still.

Family Memory

When James Hayden was four he asked me:

"Who is Satan?" When I said, "The devil."

He said: "You mean the Sun Devil."

James is so faithful in bringing me my breakfast of oatmeal with pecans and some of Liana's watermelon. He is the best!

As I was studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson this morning I cam across this definition of stewardship: A baptized person to whom God has entrusted gifts which that person manages in order to:

- Love and serve our neighbor

- Build up the Body of Christ

- Enjoy God's creations

-South Dakota Synod

-Lutheran Church in America

I love this definition along with the more common definition: Accountability, Delegation of Responsibility.

James went to Forest's house today. Forest is Anthony's friend and lives out by Anthony. He did some work for him and charged him $100. On the way home his trailer hitch broke. Equipment always breaks at some point.

James and I made a trip to Show Low today. I wanted to go to Everlasting Monument to look at grave stones. We looked at stones and got a price list and came away quite discouraged. The one I wanted was over $1,000. James said we should go to the Heritage website to see if they are cheaper. He said Terry got his dad's there and it cost $250.00 What? That's unheard of. I will look.

Walmart here we come. James picked up my new thyroid prescription. I began shopping and soon he joined me. I picked up some more silk flowers. He talked me out of them and put them back. We didn't buy as much as we normally do. I did not get anything for dinners. We did get a card for Zemira and I paid with my debit card so I could give him some money. 

We got our wok seared Shrimp and Steak with chow mien noodles at Panda then we went across the street to Circle K to get gas and wash the car. On the way home we listened to "Danger on the Loch."

As I was putting groceries away I had to try out my new Oreo cookies, Smores. They are quite delicious. 

Stacy texted me today and said that Joshua was heartbroken because he has a campout the week we will be at the condo. He looks forward to coming to the condo with his cousins all year. She asked me if there was any way I could change the week. I asked James and he said he had arranged his work schedule around us having the condo on the first week of June. I told Stacy this and she understood. Paul, who is in charge of the campout, tried to arrange for Joshua to come up with the Deacons on Wednesday, but soon found they had no room. 

This evening I indexed the last of the business and city directories. They are the easiest to do and because they are typed, the easiest to read. I also did some practice caligraphy and read from "The Making of America." Right now I am reading about Thomas Jefferson and the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

I walked and listened to my new book, "Until Vienna."

My newest Oreo craze

Langur finds a resting spot

Can I make a cake like this?

Lazy Leopard

James installing running boards

Mon, May 17th, 2021: Fresno California Temple - Delicious lunch, Unshaken, BMC, RHH, Luna on the lawn, Rock Solid bill, Cards from Kim and Brian, Job for Dave Elkin

 

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

D&C

Section 51

"Come Follow Me"

D&C 51-57 "A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward"

AprGenCon

'What Has Our Savior Done For Us'

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

The Resurrection gives us the perspective and the strength to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and those we love. It gives us a new way to view the physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies we have at birth or acquire during mortal life. It gives us the strength to endure sorrows, failures, and frustrations. Because each of us has an assured resurrection, we know that these mortal deficiencies and oppositions are only temporary.

The Resurrection also gives us a powerful incentive to keep the commandments of God during our mortal lives. When we rise from the dead and proceed to our prophesied Final Judgment, we want to have qualified for the choicest blessings promised to resurrected beings.

Restoration Proclamation

P#5

We further witness that Joseph Smith was given the gift and power of God to translate an ancient record: the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ. 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. It teaches of life's purpose and explains the doctrine of Christ, which is central to that purpose. 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.

Inklings

"Infuriating Unfairness"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Family Memory

Ben was four yeas old when he said to Grandpa: "Gwampa, you must be really old cause your face is crackin."

James and I made a delicious lunch today. I marinated some chicken, and he grilled it. I made an apple, cranberry walnut salad, and opened up a can of Bush beans and walla, delicious lunch. 

This is a new week with a new lesson for "Come Follow Me." Today I began listening to "Unshaken Saints" which is two and a half hours long so I didn't finish. I also listened to Book of Mormon Central and ran off the lesson from Redheaded Hostess. I like a variety of sources when I study the scriptures. 

James looked outside today and saw the Luna was on the lawn chomping away on the grass. How did she get in. Before she has walked across the planter. James also said she could have used her nose to lift up the gate latch. She's a tricky one, our Luna.

James got his new back bracet today but it is not as high as we thought so it won't hold his ribs in like we thought it would. It is more for posture than anything else. I got two Mother's Day cards today, one from Kim and one from Brian. They were both so sweet and I appreciate them so much. Kim also sent me a Deseret Book gift card which I will use to get a new large Bible.

James also got some running boards for his truck that he ordered for me so I won't have such a difficult time getting in. He is going to install them himself and save some money. 

We paid the concrete company for the pour at the Casa Grande airport earlier in the month. Sheri deposited money from the owner of the project so we could pay for the concrete. 

James is going to do some concrete work for our new neighbor her in Vernon, Dave Elkin.

This evening I did some indexing and then some walking while listening to my book, "His Accidental Bride", which I finished. I started a new book, "Until Vienna."

Anna at Disneyworld

"You Had Me At Aloha"

Watched this movie Saturday night

Not sure I want a cast made by Mr. Evill.

A Tree Kangaroo

"My Scripture"

Sun, May 16th, 2021: Palmyra New York Temple - Patterson's give amazing talks on faith & miracles, Index, Blog, Chris Skousen 102 temperature

 

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies of

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

D&C

Review sections 49-50

"Come Follow Me"

"That Which Is of God Is Light"

AprGenCon

'Bless In His Name'

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

As a high priest, I was assigned to visit a care center sacrament meeting. I was asked to pass the sacrament. Instead of thinking about the process or precision in the way I passed the sacrament, I instead looked in the faces of each elderly person. I saw many of them weeping. One lady grabbed my sleeve, looked up, and said aloud, "Oh, thank you, thank you."

The Lord has blessed my service given in His name. That day I had prayed for such a miracle to come instead of praying for how well I might do my part. I prayed that the people would feel the Lord's love through my loving service. I have learned this is the key to serving and blessing others in His name.

Restoration Proclamation

P#4

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 resurrected John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. Three of the original twelve Apostles - Peter, James, and John, - restored the apostleship and keys of priesthood authority. Others came as well, including Elijah, who restored the authority to join families together forever in eternal relationships that transcend death.

Inklings

"The marks in the palms of His hands continually remind Him of you and your circumstances."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Family Memory

Darrel asked three year old Rowan if he wanted a grilled cheese sandwich. Rowan said: "I don't want a girl cheese sandwich, I want a 'boy cheese' sandwich."

Today

This thought about marriage from the Come Follow Me lesson today: Do I want my marriage to make me happy, or holy? It's designed to make me holy.

We had the most amazing meeting today. the speakers were Brother and Sister Patterson from the Show Low Creek ward. We worked with them when they were the stake temple cleaning co-ordinators and I know her because she is in the stake Relief Society presidency. 

James and I were always impressed with the spiritual messages Brother Patterson gave in the temple. We knew he had some health issues because he walks with quite a severe limp. Brother Patterson is now on the high council. Brother Wright was assigned to speak to us today but at the last minute he couldn't make it so Brother and Sister Patterson were asked to speak on President Nelson's talk regarding faith to move mountains.

I didn't realize that Sister Patterson is a convert. She joined the Church after marrying Brother Patterson 11 1/2 years ago. She is very spiritual too. When they first met he was a contractor hired to put new flooring in her house. When he first saw her, he felt a prompting: "This is the woman you are going to marry." Brother Patterson had been married and had children. His wife had MS and he took care of her for 30 years prior to meeting Linda. 

28 years ago Brother Patterson was diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer and was not given very much time to live. He underwent tests and MRI's and he told the doctor that he would be happy if he could live until Christmas so he could spend it with his young sons. On Christmas Eve he was at home watching "It's a Wonderful Life", his favorite movie with his young boys when the phone rang. He was wondering who would be calling him on Christmas Eve. When he answered the phone it was his doctor. His doctor told him that he had looked at his latest tests and MRI's and that there was no cancer whatsoever in his body. His faith and the faith of others had removed this mountain from his life. He was serving as a counselor in his stake presidency at this time and the stake president, unbeknownst to him, had called a fast for him and asked all members of the stake to participate. 

The next miracle occurred after being attacked as he was leaving his construction office and was attacked by some men who beat him with a lead pipe and stabbed him multiple times. He was not expected to recover from this attack, but he did. When he met his wife over 11 years ago, he had suffered from three traumatic brain injuries, probably as a result of the beating and stabbing. The last episode left him helpless. He could not walk, or talk, or remember anything. Before these injuries he had had a photographic memory. He overcame this challenge by re-learning everything he knew,  and now, although he does have some chronic pain, he leads a fairly normal, active life. He reads the Book of Mormon every month. He says you can do this if you read 8 chapters a day. 

Here are some other notes I took from Brother Patterson's talk:

*From President Nelson's talk regarding increasing your faith to move mountains- Study, believe, act in faith, partake of sacred ordinances, ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ for help. Let God Prevail. Mountains can be moved through faith. 

As important as my sciatic nerve healing miracle was to me, I can barely imagine being healed as many times as Brother Patterson was. He is an incredible man. He calls his wife his Eternal Angel. I love them both.

The rest of our Sabbath day was quite normal, except for the fact that we didn't get pictures of Charlie until the afternoon. Lauren's husband Albert was made Bishop in their ward in Arkansas so Kacey and Jared, wanting to support Kacey's  sister and brother-in-law attended their meetings in Arkansas. I knew Kacey wouldn't forget. We love these pictures of Charlie and the ones of Scarlett every Sunday and so look forward to them. We indexed and I worked on my blog. I texted Becky S. our RS teacher and told her our next RS lesson would be on June 13th. I asked her how Chris, her husband was doing and she said, not good. He had a stint taken out at the hospital and tonight he is running a temperature of 102. They think the infection he had is returning but will wait to see the doctor until tomorrow. 

Inklings:

Happy Sabbath from Charlie!

 

Sat, May 15th, 2021: Louisville Kentucky Temple - Kim's puzzles, Razr ride with Stacy before she goes home, Ward Party at Wallace Ranch, "CFM"

 

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Power of

Ephesians 1:10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:33-47

D&C

50:36-46

"Come Follow Me"

Family scripture study and Family Home Evening

AprGenCon

"This Is Our Time"

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen

Of the Seventy

Your valiant decisions will have eternal significance.

Maybe we don't always feel up to the challenge. But our Heavenly father sees us as fearless builders of His kingdom. That is why He sent us here during this most decisive time in the world's history,

This is our time!

Restoration Proclamation

P#3

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) as foretold in the Bible. In this vision, he learned that following the death of the original Apostles, Christ's New Testament Church was lost from the earth. Joseph would be instrumental in its return.

Inklings

Emily and Rio discuss this week's

conference talk and scriptures via Instagram TV.

Family Memory

1/12/03 Alex (5) "Dad, this is my work pack." (He has a backpack on his back). Ian: "What kind of work do you do"? Alex: "I'm workin' my way back to Heavenly Father." 

After serving me my breakfast of oatmeal and watermelon and after family prayer and scriptures James left to go help cook breakfast at the Wallace Ranch where our ward Priesthood Commemoration campout is being held. He said he cooked more scrambled eggs than he's ever cooked. After the breakfast was over the men and boys stayed for a service project for the Wallace's.  James worked with Zemira and split wood. Others did clean up under the direction of Brother Wallace. Their place is gorgeous and they are always so willing to share it with the ward. 

Stacy got up mid-morning and we talked about what we were going to do today. I found some puzzles Kim said we could do, or we could go on a Razr ride. Stacy decided on the Razr ride. Even though it wasn't cold today I told her she needed to wear a jacket for two reasons. The first reason is that it's much colder the higher you get up the mountain than it is here in Vernon. Also, there is going to be lots of dust. I also took a scarf to put around my hair. Stacy did not put anything on her hair. We did the Christmas Tree Trail circle and we were gone well over an hour. When we got back we were covered in dirt. Stacy had to take a shower before she could go home. I took a picture of her but I promised I wouldn't show anyone. It's almost as good as the one I got of Trina one time when she took her kids for a ride and came back covered in dirt. She looked like a raccoon when she took her sunglasses off.

After our ride and Stacy's shower she left for home. An hour later James and I headed for the Wallace's for the pit bbq dinner. The Wallace's have a pit and the Finnell's cooked pork, chicken and beef. It was a beautiful evening to be outside and we had a wonderful turnout. Sister Wallace made it a point to go through the ward list and call inactive families to invite them. Many of them came. Relief Society sisters brought either a salad or a dessert and we had a wonderful potluck.

I sat next to Catherine H. during dinner and across the table from Stefani Hunsaker, Camrie's mom. Camrie lives in Midland, Texas since getting married last August. She has three children of her own and Stefani says she is expecting twins! Stefani is a twin so it runs in the family.

We had over a 100 people attend

New grandson, Hank

Luna looking to see if James is bringing her dinner.