Wednesday, June 9th, 2021: Recife Brazil Temple -Twin girls, TWP, Greg Andersen, "Cold as Ice", "Topaz & Treachery", Suns beat Nuggets gm 2, Index, Charlie Blog, Walk, Eat

 

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sing; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 13:10-20

D&C

63:13-23

"Come Follow Me"

63:7-12 - Signs come by faith and the will of God.

AprGenCon

"Infuriating Unfairness"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Different types of unfairness can merge, creating a tsunami of overwhelming unfairness. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects those who already are subject to multifactorial, underlying disadvantages. My heart aches for those who face such unfairness, but I declare with all my aching heart that Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy. Nothing compares to the unfairness He endured.

It was not fair that He experienced all the pains and afflictions of mankind. It was not fair that He suffered for my sins and mistakes and for yours. But He chose to do so because of His love for us and for Heavenly Father. He understands perfectly what we are experiencing.

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.

Inklings

Haggai 1-2

Up at 5:16.

"Teaching with Power" D&C 63-The Grid Game

James is frustrated because he has no power. He had to fix the generator. The first time he leaves for work he comes back showing me that he had his house shoes on. Brother Andersen from our ward came over today to help James get ready for tomorrow's pour.  James ask if I would fix lunch for them. Earlier he had said that Armondo and Joseph would not be coming here but would be staying with Owen. I decided making soup and sandwiches for lunch would be easier than what I had been planning for them. When he asked if I could fix grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, I said yes.

Brother Andersen is our ward mission leader. He bore his testimony on Sunday and invited all of us to become a part of the ward's missionary efforts. He loves the gospel and his exuberance for it is contagious. Brother Andersen is a former Navy Seal. He was inactive for years. A few years ago he married the love of his life and became active again in the church. He is a convert and sometimes that shines through in some of his mannerisms and what he says. I love him and so does James. He loves James and said it was a privilege to be working with him and soaking in some of his spirit. James said he is such a hard worker! I'm not surprised. 

This afternoon I took a long nap and had a vivid dream. When I woke up I was so groggy. I had to walk to get my blood pumping again.  I did a lot of indexing today. It became my "project" for the day. Today I usually do Relief Society work or visits and index more on Sunday. I guess this week I will do Relief Society work on Sunday. June is the last month in the second quarter of the year and I need to make calls to the ministering sisters in my district.

I finished Stephanie's book, "Cold as Ice" and started and finished a book by Lynn Gardner called, "Topaz and Treachery." There are no more Regency Romances on Deseret Book Plus that are audio that I can listen to when I am walking. I started another book by Lynn Gardner, "Rubies and Rebels." James and I are on book 3 of "A Banner is Unfurled." This book takes place during the Restoration of the gospel and is like "The Work and The Glory" in that it is historical fiction.

James hurried home this evening and showered and hurried out again to go to his elder's quorum presidency meeting. When he got home he had something to eat and announced that he was going to bed.

I was watching the end of the Suns-Nuggets game 2 of the conference semifinals. The Suns won, 123-98. Now it's on to Denver to play the next game. I am learning the names of our best players, well at least their last names: Booker, Paul, Ayton, Alexander, and Crowder, just to name a few. I am beginning to love this team!

Just found out that one of my favorite former Suns players, Steve Nash, is the coach for the Brooklyn Nets.

There are 8 teams left in the playoffs:

The Suns and the Nuggets, the Clippers and the Jazz in the Western Conference, and the Nets and the Bucks, the 76ers and the Hawks in the Eastern Conference.

I bought two of these myself.

Kim gave me the last one along with two purple pens as part

of my Mother's Day gift.

Sleeping Charlie

I read from Isaiah as I was studying 

Bro. Rasband's talk on miracles today.

The Savior's birth was a miracle.

 

 

Tuesday, June 8th, 2021: 100th Temple Boston, Massachusetts - 'Follow Him', Walmart to get groceries and bday cards, Jared's accidental FaceTime, "Cold as Ice", Armondo here tomorrow, Alibertos

 

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Psalms 132:17

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:28-13:9

D&C

63:1-12

"Come Follow Me"

63:1-6, 32-37 : The Lord's anger is kindled against the wicked and rebellious.

AprGenCon

"Poor Little Ones"

Jorge T. Becerra

Of the Seventy

While serving as an Area Seventy, I reserved each Tuesday night to do ministering visits with the stake presidents in my area of responsibility. I invited them to make appointments with those who were in need of an ordinance of the gospel of Jesus Christ or who were not currently keeping the covenants they had made. Through our consistent and intentional ministering, the Lord magnified our efforts and we were able to find individuals and families who were in need. These were the "poor little ones" who lived in the different stakes where we served.

Family Proclamation

P6

Husband and Wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives - mothers and fathers - will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

Inklings

Ezekiel 47

"Follow Him" - Please Lord, cleanse my soul.

Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson

James working at Elkins' with the water trailer and generator. Both broke down today.

I went to town this afternoon to do my grocery shopping at Walmart and to buy birthday cards for June. I already have a card for Ruby so I only had to get cards for Ian, Brian, and Dallin. I used my debit card to pay for my groceries so I could get cash back for birthday cards.

Before going home I went through the drive-thru at Aliberto's.

I ordered three burritos, an Arizona for me, a carne asada, and a bean and cheese. James doesn't like to eat meat at night but I forgot he also doesn't like to eat cheese at night. He did eat the bean and cheese though.

Jared accidentally FaceTime me today. They were all outside, him, Kacey, and Charlie, playing in the water from the hose and the rain. 

He said a tornado had touched down a few minutes ago nearby. I told him we had fires here and we were praying for rain. Jared says he is on call the week we have our hike planned. He is going to try to trade with someone. I hope he can, otherwise we may have to try to change our date again.

I am reading another murder mystery by my friend, Stephanie McConkie Black. This one is called "Cold as Ice." The annoying, complaining woman who is murdered is named Karen. Is Stephanie playing in to pop culture? When I looked Karen up on Google this is what it says: Karen is a pejorative term for a woman seeming to be entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is normal. (Describes Stephanie's character to a T) The term also refers to memes depicting White women who use their privilege to demand their own way. Depictions also may include demanding to "speak to the manager", being racist or sporting a particular bob cut hairstyle. The term has been criticized for being sexist, ageist, misogynistic, or seeking to control female behavior. As of 2020, the term was increasingly being used in media and on social media as a general-purpose term for middle class White women, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. The term has also been applied to male behavior. The Guardian called 2020 "the year of Karen." Maybe Stephanie forgot that we were friends, else why would she use my name for such an unlikable character.

James asked if we could offer dinner to Armondo, his son, and Joseph who are coming up tomorrow to help pour concrete on Thursday. I told him I would fix them dinner and they could stay here if they needed to.

Stefani and Alicia are identical twins

Stefani is Camrie's mom

Camrie reveals she and Darren are

having twin girls!

Monday, June 7th, 2021: Santo Domingo Temple - Pierce fixes my cavity, Pay bills and update chkbks, James @ Elkins, Family Hike Sept 18th, Suns beat Nuggets 122-105

 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Jacob 4:15

And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.

Book of Mormon

Alma 12: 20-27

D&C

RIC Ezra Booth & Isaac Morley

"Come Follow Me"

"That Which Cometh From Above is Sacred"

AprGenCon

"Not as the World Giveth"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle

Challenging times come in the mortal world, including to the faithful, but the reassuring message of Christ is that although He, the paschal lamb, would go like "a sheep before its shearers," He would nevertheless rise, as the psalmist said, to be "our refuge and strength, our very present help in times of trouble."

Family Proclamation

P5

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Inklings

"I Love to See the Temple"

President Henry B. Eyring

"It is in the temple that we can receive the assurance of loving family connections that will continue after death and last for eternity."

An announcement was made in the Church News today regarding General Conference. There will no longer be a Saturday night session. It used to be the priesthood session. Recently it has alternated between priesthood in April and general women's session in October. 

Pierce filled my tooth and "built it up" for $20. I am very grateful to him. 

James went to town with the truck and trailer to pick up some wire mesh for Elkins'. He said he would also pick up my tramadol but didn't want to pick up lunch because of the trailer. When I got home from the Goodman's I fixed myself some macaroni and cheese and had a slice of cornbread. Later when James got here he brought me a steak and shrimp bowl with noodles from Panda. I ate the steak and shrimp and put the noodles in the frig and fed them to James for dinner along with some sweet peas.

This afternoon while James was working at Elkins' I paid bills, including tithing for May, blogged, indexed, and walked. One of the names I indexed worked at "The Little Sisters of the Poor." Hmm, I'm not completely sure what this is. Any guesses?

Jared and Kacey asked when our family hike at Green's Peak was going to be. I told them we would decide this week. James wanted to schedule August 21st but Darrel works that weekend and August is very busy for Jared & Kacey. We came up with September 18th which works for Darrel and Kacey says works for them, unless Jared is on call. 

The Suns are in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Tonight was their first game with the Denver Nuggets. It was played in Phoenix so we had home court advantage. The game was pretty close in the first half with the Nuggets  ahead most of the time. The halftime score was 58 Nuggets and 57 Suns. The Suns went on a 16-0 run in the third quarter. The final score was 122 Suns and 105 Nuggets. It was a good game. On another note, I don't like the Suns new uniforms. They are not purple for one thing, but are black with red and yellow. On the front of their shirts it does not say Suns or Phoenix,  but The Valley. Why? It says The Valley in the middle of their court too. Weird. I don't know the story or reason behind this, but I need an explanation. I like the old uniforms as worn here by Steve Nash.

Steve Nash

Chris Paul in the new uniform

I don't like it and I don't get it.

The fires in the state continue but the smoke is not quite as bad here. James wore a mask all day and it was pretty dirty when he got home. I'm just grateful that he wore one.

Did I see the hand of the Lord in my life today? When I look at my blessings I realize I see His hand everyday!

As Brother Westbrook reminded us in his testimony, yesterday was the 77th anniversary of D-Day. 

On June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces of Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France. With a huge force of over 150,000 soldiers, the Allies attacked and gained a victory that became the turning point for World War II in Europe.

When I asked Laura to take the missionary discussion, I invited her to go with me to Sonic to get a cherry limeade. The rest is history.

This looks delicious to me!

I keep thinking I want to put Darrel's hammock up,

but maybe not.

 

 

Sunday, June 6th, 2021: Birmingham Alabama Temple - Fast & Testimony mtg, SS, Appt w/ Pierce, Brownies and Turtles from Pam, Blog, Index, Anthony gone, "Witnesses"

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Matthew 21:42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:1-19

D&C

Review 60-62

"Come Follow Me"

Review "All Flesh is in Mine Hand"

AprGenCon

"I Love To See the Temple"

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

I know that temples of the Lord are holy places. My purpose today in speaking of temples is to increase your desire and mine to be worthy and ready for the increased opportunities for temple experiences that are coming for us.

Family Proclamation

P4

The First Commandment that God gave to Adam and Even pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

Inklings

"President Russell M. Nelson made clear for us that we can "see" the Savior in the temple in the sense that He becomes no longer unknown to us." - Henry B. Eyring, "I Love To See the Temple"

Today was fast Sunday and James and I totally forgot. Brother Goodman reminded us when he conducted our fast and testimony meeting. 

Before leaving for church this morning we got our Happy Sabbath photos from Charlie. This is such a nice way to start the Sabbath day.

We sat by the Goodman's at church. Barbara during church and then Pierce during the second hour. Pierce is going to refill my tooth tomorrow morning at 10. 

I introduced myself to the couple sitting in front of us in the chapel. I asked if they were new or visiting? They said neither, they had been inactive but were coming back. Their names: Kiristin and Kris Lee. Kris grew up in St. Johns and knows the Lambson's. They seemed like a nice couple, both are 59.

Brother Scott taught Sunday School and did a good job. I'm not sure where Brother Applegate was today. James had a family history meeting with Collin after Sunday School. I waited in the car for about 30 minutes. When we got home we found walnut brownies and pretzel turtles left there by our friend Pam. They were delicious and just the snack we needed after lunch. After lunch we had a nap.

James and his partner Dave W. went out to see Anthony this afternoon. James couldn't get Anthony on the telephone. Anthony was not there so James said it was a wasted trip. I told him I did not think it was. James said Anthony may have gone to Oklahoma with Forrest.

We had smoke from the Whiteriver fire today. They are evacuating Miami which means there are two fires in the state right now. Paul sent out an email asking us to pray for rain. We definitely will.

The new movie, "Witnesses" is in theaters now.

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon

Paul said someone he knows saw it and that it was very accurate.

Miami fire

Baby Llama

 

Saturday, June 5th, 2021: Houston Temple - Brkfst for boys, Goodbye as we go home, Fire near Globe, Sees candy to Chuck, "You Had Me At Aloha",

 

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Psalms 118:22

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:21-46

D&C

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2019, 

"Come Follow Me"

Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

AprGenCon

"Room in the Inn"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

First, we come to the Inn as we are, with the foibles and imperfections we each have. Yet we all have something needed to contribute. Our journey to God is often found together. We belong as a united community - whether confronting pandemics, storms, wildfires, droughts or quietly meeting daily needs. We receive inspiration as we counsel together, listening to each person, including each sister, and the Spirit.

Family Proclamation

P3

In the Premortal Realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

Inklings

"I Love to See the Temple"

I am increasing my desire and worthiness to enter the temple - a place where divine revelation awaits and my spirit recognizes God's presence.

James got up, went for a walk, took a shower and then made breakfast for the boys...eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. I got up, took a shower and began packing up to go home, cleaning as I went. Stacy said they were not going to stay tonight because Joshua doesn't want to, so I didn't bother making the bed.

After breakfast I cleaned the kitchen. James packed up most of the food and took all of the suitcases out to the car. We had prayer before we left. I gave each of the boys a hug, except Max, who had gone back to bed. It was 9:00 a.m. when we left the resort. 

We stopped at Walmart to get gas because it was cheaper at $2.91 a gallon than anywhere else. I happened to see Ray's Pizza and it reminded me of being in New York City with Dennis and Denise and eating at Ray's Pizza. I wish I would have remembered that there was one here. Maybe next year.

We left Scottsdale using Shea Blvd. to get to Highway 87 which is the highway going to Payson. We listened to several chapters of "A Banner is Unfurled". When we got to Payson we drove through Taco Bell for lunch. I got a regular crispy taco and a taco supreme. James got a burrito supreme. 

I did quite a bit of napping after Payson. I completely missed Show Low. We were home by 12:30. James unloaded the car. I put most of the stuff away except for his personal items. We both rested and then James took the box of Sees candy over to Chuck. Chuck was appreciative but he did not seem surprised so I guess Kathy told him. I wish I would have told her not to because I wanted to surprise him.

Stacy called. Michael wants to go to the condo and because Michael is going Joshua wants to go. Would I please call and see if she could pick up the key? I did, and she can, and I suppose she did. I reminded her that check out time is 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

I did a little indexing and blogging but did not finish my 10,000 steps for today. I was just too tired. This evening I watched the newest summer Hallmark movie, "You Had Me at Aloha" starring Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton who play Lee and Rosemary Colter on "When Calls the Heart." They make a great couple and have good chemistry together. I liked the movie. James was indexing and came over towards the end and finished watching it with me.