Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Sun, June 13th, 2021: Guadalajara Mexico Temple: Sacrament meeting, RS/EQ, Pam's cookies, Elders Zinn & Boehme visit, "CFM"

 

Guadalajara, Mexico
105th operating temple
Dedicated: 29 Apr 2001
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about
2 Nephi 19:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Book of Mormon
Alma 15:5-19
D&C
Review D&C 63
"Come Follow Me"
Review "That Which Cometh From Above is Sacred"
GC365

AprGenCon
"Bishops-Shepherds Over the Lord's Flock"
Elder Quentin L. Cook
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The bishop has five principal responsibilities in presiding over a ward:
1. He is the presiding high priest in the ward, the ward's spiritual leader.
2. He is president of the Aaronic Priesthood.
3. He is a common judge.
4. He coordinates the work of salvation and exaltation, including caring for those in need.
5. And he oversees records, finances, and the use of the meetinghouse.

Articles of Faith
#2
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

Inklings
'Ye Shall Be Free'
Thierry K. Mutomdo
&
John 9

James drove the Halcomb's car to church and I was right behind him in my car. We gave Catherine her car keys and told her where the car was parked when we arrived at church. I got a big hug from Catherine as I sat down by her. She said we needed to visit so she could tell me all about her trip. I told her I would come to see her soon. 

A new couple in our ward, the Brown's, were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. He grew up in St. John's and she is from somewhere in Utah. They lived in Eagar for 30 years where he served as bishop for part of that time. He is related to the Whiting's and a lifelong dream of his was to move near the Whiting Ranch, up on the hill, and in the Vernon ward. They recently built a cabin and did just that. Brother Brown is at least 6'6" and Sister Brown is probably about my heighth or a little taller.

Sister Brown spoke on Brother Newman's talk from conference, "Teaching in the Savior's Way." Brother Newman is the Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. When she introduced herself she said they spent a year in China teaching English. She also told about a trip they took with their youth to general conference in Salt Lake and meeting Elder Uchtdorf. From Brother Newman's talk she shared these things: The aim of all gospel learning and teaching is to deepen our conversion to Jesus Christ and help us become more like Him. The kind of gospel learning that strengthens our faith and leads to the miracle of conversion doesn't happen all at once. It extends beyond the classroom into an individual's heart and home. 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, 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? 1) Emulate the Savior, 2) Unleash the Power of Families, 3) Remember That Conversion Is Personal.

Sister Brown says she asks herself this question: Why do I believe? She ponders this question often. Regarding families she says she often wondered if the effort was worth it and realizes it is. Also regarding the youth trip she and her husband wondered if it was worth the effort. When they spoke with Elder Uchtdorf regarding their concerns he assured them that it was. Brother Newman talks about the miracles and majesties of discipleship. You have to go there yourself. What do I believe? Sister Brown said when they were teaching young people in China they would often do fill-in the blank questions, such as I am happy...., etc. One fill-in was I wonder...
One young man said, "I wonder where I came from and why I am here." Sister Brown said it saddened her that she couldn't teach him about the gospel because no preaching is allowed in China. 

Brother Brown spoke about light using Elder Dyches conference talk, "Light Cleaveth Unto Light." In D&C 50:24 it says: That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. Brother Brown spoke about the importance of feeling God's love in our life through repentance. He said Satan uses discouragement and wants us to think we are unworthy and can't repent. We must never allow our thoughts to keep us from doing the things we need to do to feel closer to God. Brother Brown made this statement: "Christ is easy to please, but hard to satisfy." He accepts our repentance but does not want us to stay where we are even after we repent. He constantly challenges us to keep going on the covenant path and sees our divine potential better than we do.

Becky Skousen taught our lesson the second hour using Brother Rasband's talk, "Behold! I Am a God of Miracles." She had lots of participation from brothers and sisters, basically four of them, who wanted to share some of the miracles that had occurred in their lives. 
Sister Applegate, Sister Vaught, Brother Scott, and Brother Cooper all shared experiences. Here is an outline for Brother Rasband's talk:
The Greatest Miracle in Human History
The Miraculous Acts of Jesus Christ
Miracles Abound
Miracles are a Lifeline from Heaven to Earth
Worldwide Broadcast Miracle
Miracles are Worked Through the Power of Faith
Miracles Remind Us of the Lord's Power, Love, and Reach
Miracles Come in the Lord's Way, According to His Will and Timing
The Miracle of Inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven.

I knew Pam was going to leave us cookies again, for the third Sunday in a row. I decided we needed to leave her something so I made up a gift bag with some lotion and bodywash and scented soap. I put it in a yellow gift bag with pink tissue paper and on the tag I wrote: To Pam, We Love You! The Lambson's
Pam said she was surprised and grateful. She left is another batch of her most delicious oatmeal walnut cookies.

Our ward missionaries, Elder Zinn and Elder Boehme came over for a visit today. They came into our ward with no information or no contacts. They called it a whitewash of the area. They wanted to know what we could do to help them talk to Tanna and her boyfriend. We told them that Tanna always meets us outside when we go over. We have not been invited into her home. I suggested that maybe we have a bbq and invite Tanna and her boyfriend over here. That thought that was a good idea. I also told them she had said she wanted to come to church a few weeks ago but didn't show up. I had invited her to sit with us. The missionaries loved our house and wanted a tour. Afterwards they shared a message with us and then asked us when after suffering through a trial we had felt joy?
James and I both shared some experiences. I told about when I got arthritis and was unable to care for my children or do much of anything. Lifting the lid on the washing machine was impossible and I couldn't even open a door. The thing that gave me hope and peace was reading the scriptures and positive books like "The Power of Positive Thinking." My favorite scripture at this time was Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I knew I wasn't going to be like this forever and that even if I was, the Lord knew me and would take care of me. I learned to put my trust in Him. After our discussion Elder Boehme offered a prayer. 
I wanted to give the missionaries our cookies from Pam. It was a sacrifice of something I really loved but I had not talked to James about it so I didn't offer. After they drove away I mentioned to James I wanted to give them the cookies. He agreed and called them back. Not only did he give them the oatmeal cookies, but also some of the chocolate chip cookies I had made. 

This evening we attended our "Come Follow Me" meeting at the Peeler's. The Crane's did not come because Kathy is still having issues with her stomach. We said a prayer for her. We so enjoyed our gospel discussion of D&C 63 with the Peeler's and the Goodman's. One of my favorite moments was when Brother Peeler told us about when he was on his mission in the southern states as a young man and was asked by his mission president to go to Bogalusa, Alabama and build a chapel. He said miracle after miracle and the chapel did get built. They began with $4,000 in the ward budget building fund and they ended with that same amount. It was a great story. 

James is going to the valley in the morning to get the test results from his last MRI. He is also taking the Cat down to Armando who is starting the job at Lake Village Park. He wants me to go with him. At first I thought, no but then I realized how much he wanted me to go so I told him I would. It made him so happy, I'm glad I said I would. 

At our "Come Follow Me" meeting Brother Goodman asked me if the RS was doing anything for Father's on Sunday since it is Father's Day. I told him I would text Tamara and find out. Tamara is overwhelmed and Kerri is taking Sister Barton to northern California. I made the commitment to make cookies, even if I have to do it by myself. I decided on sugar cookies because I have a great sugar cookie recipe. I've pretty much committed my week away.

It was a wonderful Sabbath day!













Charlie still has the marks from suctioning
a cup on her mouth.







Palmer and Scarlett

Fossil Creek




















Sunday, June 13, 2021

Sat, June 12th, 2021: Winter Quarters Temple: James cleans up at Elkins', The Best Taco Soup, "The Baker's Son", "Inventing Vivian", Alex's call

Winter Quarters, Nebraska
104th operating temple
Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Book of Mormon
Alma 14:23-15:4
D&C 
63:49-66
"Come Follow Me"
FSS & FHE Miracles,  protection, living water, sacred things, warnings.





AprGenCon
"Hope In Christ"
President M. Russell Ballard
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Brothers and sisters, more than half of adults in the Church today are widowed, divorced, or not yet married. Some wonder about their opportunities and place in God's plan and in the Church. We should understand that eternal life is not simply a question of current marital status but of discipleship and being "valiant in the testimony of Jesus." The hope of all who are single is the same as for all members of the Lord's restored Church - access to the grace of Christ through "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."

Articles of Faith
#1
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

I got up at 8:11 this morning. Let me explain. I could not go to sleep. I tossed and turned and looked at the clock until I finally got up and took some Nyquil. I slept right through my 5 a.m. wakeup time.

James went to Elkins' this morning to finish cleaning. Before he left he fixed my breakfast and we had scriptures and prayers. I was watching "Christmas in Paris" and working on my blog. He got caught up in the movie and watched over my shoulder the ending.

James got back from Elkins' around lunch time. I was making taco soup for lunch. He went straight into the bedroom and laid down. When I finished making the soup I told him it would need to simmer for about 15 minutes and then would be ready to eat. He probably slept another hour and then got up and ate some soup. It is so good!
I had chips, avocado, cheese and sour cream with mine.

After eating lunch James did some indexing. After awhile he came into the bedroom and asked me if we could listen to our book. We were in to our chapter about 10 minutes when the phone rang. It was Alex, concerned about his grandpa. He had heard that James was having some health issues, with his prostate, and wanted to know what the latest report was. James told him he was getting the results of his last MRI on Monday. They talked about 30 minutes and I'm not sure what all was said because James walks around outside when he's on a long call. Alex and James have a special bond and this phone call is just an indication of their relationship.

James went back to finish at Elkins' and did not get home until after 9. I was a little sad because I wanted to spend some time with him this evening. I watched the new Hallmark movie, "The Baker's Son", by myself. 

My new audio book









Tucson temple











 

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Friday, June 11th, 2021: Montevideo Uruguay Temple: James cleans at Elkins, Cookies, Elders forget, James's cough, Suns beat Nuggets again,

 

Montevideo, Uruguay
103rd operating temple
Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about
2 Nephi 17:14
Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign - Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Book of Mormon
Alma 14:6-22
D&C
63:38-48
"Come Follow Me"
63:24-46 The Lord directs the spiritual and temporal affairs of His Saints.



AprGenCon
"Ye Shall Be Free"
Thierry K. Mutombo
Of the Seventy
This understanding of the why of the gospel was helping us to become more like the Savior. The size of our home did not change; neither did our social conditions. But I witnessed a change of heart in my parents as we prayed daily, morning and evening. We studied the Book of Mormon; we held family home evening; we truly became a family. Every Sunday we woke up at 6:00 a.m. to prepare to go to church, and we would travel for hours to attend Church meetings every week without complaining. It was a wonderful experience to witness. We, who had previously walked in darkness, chased darkness from among us (D&C 50:25) and saw "great light" (2 Nephi 19:2).

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.

Inklings
Haggai 1:5-8
Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.

After breakfast and scriptures and prayers, James left to cleanup at the Elkins. He asked me for Limeaway before he left.

While I was blogging this morning I finished the movie I started yesterday, "Romance in Royal Class" the story about Will and Kate of the royal family. I liked the casting in this movie but I think Jean Smart is much prettier than Camilla, the part she played. 

Will had dated Kate for over five years. His dad told him it was time to move to the next level or let go. He let go and she was devastated. They meet sometime later after both have dated other people,  at a concert where the group is playing a song, "I Want You Back." Kate knew Will was there but Will didn't know she was there until he turned around and saw her lip syncing the words to the song and pointing at him. He walked up, they hugged and kissed, and were back together again. 

Will watches the last video of his mom, Diana, before she dies. Here is what she says:
"Life is a journey. When the day of our separation did arrive, the first thing I did was rush down to talk to the children. William produced a box of chocolates and said 'Mummy, I think you've been hurt, these are to make you smile again.' I did. 
I think all people need someone to give them affection, make them feel important. to support them, to give them light in their dark tunnels. I want my boys to have an understanding of people's emotions, people's insecurities, and people's hopes and dreams. I put it to William; if you find that love in your life, you must hang on to it, take care of it. If you're lucky enough to find someone who shares that love, you must protect it. If you find someone who loves you, you must protect her."

The next scene is in Kenya, Africa in 2010 where Will and Kate are on safari. There is a scene at night where Kate and Will are sitting alone at a camp fire and Kate hears an animal and she is frightened. Will says he will protect her. He said his mother named him Will because Will means protector. Will talks about bald eagles and how they mate for life. He then says, "Katherine, I have found true love. He is on bended knee, shows her his mother's ring, and asks, "Will you marry me? I will love and protect you forever." The rest is history. I'm not sure how true to life this movie was, but I still liked it. 

James came home around lunch time and had lunch, egg salad sandwiches and soup. Afterwards he takes a long nap. He gets up to go back to Elkins' but after he goes outside he comes back in and says it's too hot. We both sit on the couch and listen to a chapter or two from our book, volume 3 of "A Banner is Unfurled."

James is exhausted. The ends of a couple of his fingers have holes in them, his back is hurting from bending down so much, and he is just exhausted. This is what he does, he pushes himself so hard until the job is done and then he collapses. He said the Limeaway didn't work very well, did I have anything else. I told him I had just watched a video on YouTube about the wonders of vinegar and all it can be used for. One of the uses was cleaning white water spots off terra cotta pots. The mixture is 4 cups of warm water with 1 cup of vinegar. He used it, tried it, and said it worked great. 

Later when James came home for the night he had a horrible cough that wouldn't quit. It continued even after we went to bed. I told him it was probably from the chemicals in some of the cleaners he was using. He agreed.

The Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets had their third game in the Conference semifinals, this one in Denver. I noticed the Nuggets
had on jerseys that said The Mile High City. Interesting. The Suns were never behind in this game. The final score was 116-102, Suns. Jovic, the Nuggets center, was awarded the MVP award for the season.

I started a new book, "Inventing Vivian", as I finished "Rubies and Rebels." This new book was just added to the audio library and is a Regency proper romance novel.

Listened to a snippet from Wendy Watson Nelson's speech at Utah Valley University's commencement ceremony. It was all about the importance of avoiding contention to make a difference. It was on YouTube and you can listen to it. It's only 12 minutes long.

Here are some names from my indexing: Wm. H. Birtwhistle, Hippolyte Birot, and Frank Birt. My favorite is Frank Birt because it sounds like Franfurt.

A chipmunk on the deck watching me wash the
window from the inside.



Someone shares this on Facebook almost
every year.










 

 


Friday, June 11, 2021

Thursday, June 10, 2021: Porto Alegre Brazil Temple - James pours at Elkins', CWIC, Inklings-Temple, DG, Bday crds Ian, Brian, Dallin, "Romance in Royal Class", TV w/ J

 

Porto Alegre, Brazil
102nd operating temple
Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Book of Mormon
Alma 13:21-14:5
D&C
63:24-37
"Come Follow Me"
63:13-23 Chastity means keeping my thoughts and actions pure.


AprGenCon
"The Personal Journey of a Child of God"
Elder Neil L. Andersen
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Some may question if life begins with the formation of an embryo, or when the heart begins to beat, or when the baby can live outside of the womb, but for us, there is no question that spirit daughters and sons of God are on their own personal journeys coming to earth to receive a body and experience mortality.
As covenant children of God, we love, honor, nurture, safeguard, and welcome those spirits who are coming from the premortal world.

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.

Inklings
Ezekiel 47:9
  And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.
What did the living water do to every thing it touched?
It healed and strengthened.

I vaguely remember James coming over to my side of the bed, completely dressed at 4:15 a.m. and giving me a kiss, telling me he was going to pour concrete at the Elkins' and asking me to pray for him. I said I would. 

While blogging and indexing I listened to CWIC Come Follow Me. The only thing I learned is that faith is trust. We show our faith in the Lord by trusting him.

I also listened to Emily & Rio discuss President Eyring's conference talk, "I Love To See the Temple," and Ezekiel 47 and Haggai 1-2 which are Old Testament scriptures about the temple. Emily loves the Old Testament. Do I push people to keep going, or do I encourage them to do more? "Can you stay longer?" Exhaustion or Exhilaration. "Don't miss Jesus, He walks the halls." I loved the story when Emily was going to the Palmyra temple and the bus driver, a non-member said to her, "I have always wanted to go inside of this temple." Emily invited him in. He said he thought it wasn't that easy. She told him that all are welcome and he could come inside of the door and look around, which he did. He said he felt it was a privilege. Emily made a point of saying that "all are welcome."

I also listened to a BYU Speech by S. Michael Wilcox given in 1999 
called, "The Blessings of the House of the Lord." He talks about Ezekiel 47 and the waters flowing from under the temple. He said that every temple, or most all, have a fountain in front representing the living water. The Idaho Falls temple has water gushing from the ground and flowing into the nearby river.

When James got home today he was exhausted and went in to take a nap. He was also happy and pleased with the finished product. Those who helped: The Wilhelm boys, Curtis, Zemira, and Andy. Brother Andersen, Armondo and Joseph. Armondo brought his son Chandler who is 11, and Chandler's little brother, James couldn't remember his name. The six year old walked up to James to shake his hand. James said they were very well-mannered children.








James texted this pictures to Mr. Elkin and he is excited!

After James's nap I reminded him that he owed me 4 - $20's that he borrowed to pay the Wilhelm boys. He said he would pay me back this afternoon. I reminded him and he ask if I would take a check. I said no, the money he took was to go in Dallin's and Ruby's birthday cards. I told him they would probably give him change at Dollar General when he bought me a 12 pk of diet Dr. Pepper. The woman at the register first told him she couldn't break a $100 but then she said she would go back and get some money in the safe. He came out with my $80. Now I'm going to do a deposit transfer from his account to mine to pay back the $100 he took from my stash. Finances can be complicated. 

Here are some names I indexed today: 
Cario Bingo and Ada Bird. 

Our former stake president is the president of the
Chicago, Illinois mission.
He is such a loving, amazing person.
He called everyone in our stake on their birthday when
he was stake president.