Thur, Nov 11th, 2021: Temple #88 Fukuoka, Japan, Veteran's Day and my Gpa's bday, Wlmrt, HD, Panda, chow mein noodles, Christmas movie, Scarlett, Charlie

 

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

D&C 18:47

Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it. Amen.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 27:1-12

D&C

130:12-23 & 131

"Come Follow Me"

132:1-2, 29-40 Plural marriage is acceptable to God only when He commands it

OctGenCon

"The Things of My Soul"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Nephi: "Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard."

Nephi's words raise the questions "What things do you ponder?"

"What things really matter to you?" "What are the things of your soul?"

The things of our souls are often clarified and deepened by asking questions.

The Proclamations

#6

The Restoration of The Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The proclamation was read by President Russell M. Nelson as part of his message at the 190th Annual General Conference, April 5, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah

Inklings

Invitation:

"Jesus Christ invites us to look to Him, come unto Him, learn of Him, and bind ourselves to Him through the covenants and ordinances of His restored gospel." How would relying on your bond with Jesus Christ provide spiritual strenth in my current season?

Up at 4:06

Today would have been my grandpa Maxwell's 116th birthday. Happy Birthday Grandpa!

James said he didn't want to go today for his treatment because he felt miserable. On his way to town they called and told him the machine broke down and he wouldn't need to come in to day. I guess his prayer was answered, at least for today. 

There is a video in this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson. It's young adults asking questions of Church leaders. One of the questions was about polygamy. I liked Elder Cook's brief, concise, spot-on answer! We need to remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and would never ask us to do anything that wasn't for our benefit and good.

I am studying Elder Soares's conference talk on compassion because it is the basis for the Relief Society lesson on Sunday. It was one of my favorite talks because it uses Jesus as our example of compassion and charity.

I listened to Inklings Live today with Emily and Mandy Gubler. Mandy has been involved with the Church's Addiction Recovery program and still does meetings. Her husband was addicted to prescription drugs and it was through helping him that she got involved in the program. She has likes to restore old buildings. She lives in southern Utah. You can find her at vintagerevivals.

James and I made a trip to town early this afternoon. We had to take the truck because my car has a tire with a nail in it.

 Tomorrow evening is our chili cookoff and I decided to make some chili but needed to buy some of the ingredients. Our first stop was at CVS to see about James's prescription. They said they told the doctor they were out of the drug she prescribed and asked her if they could make a substitution but they have not heard back from her. It is so frustrating that it is so difficult to get anything done!  Because we were so close to Burker King we went through the drive-thru and got a couple of Whopper Juniors. Are we addicted? I hope not. We ordered them with mustard instead of mayo. We also stopped to get a plug for my tire. It keeps going flat because there is a nail in it.

Next stop was Walmart and Home Depot. I got my groceries at Walmart while James went to Home Depot. I also picked up three prescriptions from Walmart. It would be so much easier if James would change his prescription to Walmart instead of CVS. 

When we were finished shopping we went across the street to Circle K to get gas, $3.49 a gallon,  and to run the truck through the car wash, mainly to clean off the windshield. We remembered we were going to buy some chow mein noodles at Panda so we went back across the street and bought our noodles for $4.40. Better than the normal $15.88 we spend at Panda. We went home and I made stir fry to add to the noodles. I put in mushrooms, green onions, a red bell pepper and some chopped up cabbage from a salad kit and a small package of sunflowers.  After sauteing the veggies I added the chow mein noodles and, walla, the best stir fry! James loves it and so do I.

I also made a loaf of pumpkin, pecan bread. I added some baking powder and a couple of tablespoons of flour because the last two loaves I made sunk in the middle.  I also baked it longer at 325 instead of 350. James delivered it to the MacArthur's and got to meet Jarred's dad. Chelsea texted me and said the bread wasn't going to last long because it was so delicious!

After dinner I worked on my lettering, put away blankets and years supply downstairs, walked and listened to my book, and watched what was supposed to be a Christmas movie with James. I recorded it from Up 188. It was called "A Christmas Prince, The Royal Baby."

We were in bed by 10.

Transformation

My favorite cup

Wed, Nov 10th, 2021: Temple #87 SanJose, Costa Rica, Taco Wednesday, Lois, Harold & Vickie, Tamara, Trina, Pumpkin Bread, Walking, "A Mrs. Miracle Christmas", Charlie

 

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

D&C 18:11

For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. 

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 26:1-21

D&C

129 & 130:1-11

"Come Follow Me"

131:1-4; 132:7, 13-25 Heavenly Father made it possible for families to be eternal

OctGenCon

"Addressing Mental Health"

Elder Erich W. Kopischke

Of the Seventy

Our doctrine teaches us to strive to become like Jesus Christ and be perfected in Him. Our children sing, "I'm trying to be like Jesus." We long to be perfect even as our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are perfect. Because mental illness can interfere with our perception of perfection, it remains all too often a taboo. As a result, there is too much ignorance, too much silent suffering, and too much despair. Many, feeling overwhelmed because they do not meet perceived standards, mistakenly believe they have no place in the Church.

The Proclamations

#5

The Family: A Proclamation to the World, 

issued September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City - The proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley at the general Relief Society meeting leading into October 1995 general conference, with the proclamation's purpose to "warn and forewarn" the world and offering an official Church statement on family, marriage, gender roles, and human sexuality.

Inklings

Affirmation

Through my faithfulness to covenants and ordinances, I am armed with righteousness and with the power of God. In this season, my spiritual strength comes from my bond with my Savior.

Up at 3:58 a. m. I had my usual oatmeal, blueberries, and nuts for breakfast. When James got home from his treatment, he brought me three tacos from Taco Bell. I was so excited I ate two immediately!

DWTS this week was a double elimination. Jimmie Allen and Olivia Jade went home. The six couples left will be in the semi-finals, they are: Cody & Cheryl, Ihman & Danielle, JoJo & Jenna, Pasha & Suni, Amanda & Allen, and Malora & Artem. Enough said.

Today I got more phone calls than I normally get in a month. First, James's mom called to see how he was doing. I'm not sure why she called my phone, but she did, and I gave it to James so he could talk to her. 

Vickie was the next to call. She also wanted to know about James. I think she may have talked to Dennis & Denise. Anyway, she got Harold on the phone so I could tell him James's story. Harold felt so bad because he had told James that radiation was a "piece of cake" and he had no problems. I told him he could only relate his experience and he should not feel bad. Harold said he would do anything to help us, which was so sweet. I asked him if he would help put in dad's headstone. He said, "I will do whatever you need me to do." When he said that, my heart just melted toward my sweet brother. 

My next caller was Tamara, the Relief Society president of our ward. She needed my counsel and advice regarding a family who is constantly in need of assistance and has not learned how to manage their resources. We talked for almost an hour and I think she felt better after we were finished. Hopefully we can help this family to make the needed changes in their lives so that they can be more self-reliant.

I also got a text from Trina wanting to know how James was doing. It was a busy day phone wise. I texted Pam about Ricky and she called his doctor to find out he does not have cancer. She was soo happy!

I also texted Sister Sedig who is teaching Relief Society this week about reading the section in "Teaching in the Savior's Way" regarding asking inspired questions and encouraged her to use questions in her lesson on Sunday.

I paid my Dish bill online and was happy to discovered they had taken $20 off my bill. 

 James was also on the phone with a company that sells water pumps. They are going to help him figure out how big a pump he will need for our backyard. 

James and I started a new book. It's one that I just read not too long ago, "Charming Artemis." It's one about the Jonquil family, whom we are very familiar with. 

I made two loaves of pumpkin bread this afternoon. Originally I made them for the MacArthur's but both loaves were sunk in the middle. I put one loaf in the freezer and James and I are eating the other one. I also made myself a pumpkin and pecan waffle. It was delicious!

James had a presidency meeting this evening at the church. I send the plastic and paper goods I got at Costco with him to put in the cupboard. I will hand my receipt in on Sunday. While James was gone I finished coloring my Snow White picture, worked on my lettering and did some walking while listening to my book, "Willowkeep." 

When James got home we made shrimp and mixed veggies for dinner. Afterwards we watched our Christmas movie while I finished my walking. The movie we watched was, "A Mrs. Miracle Christmas." It was soo good and had such a great message!

In bed by 9:49.

Grand Canyon

Love this

Tue, Nov 9th, 2021: Temple#86 Montreal, Quebec, Jarred MacArthur brings us wood, Scarlet, Charlie, Steps, Tortoise, Cotswolds, Quotes

Montreal, Quebec

86th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

Ether 3:14

Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6

D&C

Saints 40 & RIC: "Our Hearts Rejoice to Hear Him Speak"

"Come Follow Me"

D&C 130-31 Joseph revealed truths about the Godhead and "the world to come"

OctGenCon

"God's Love: The Most Joyous to the Soul"

Sister Susan H. Porter

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

When you know and understand how completely you are loved as a child of God, it changes everything. It changes the way you feel about yourself when you make mistakes. It changes how you feel when difficult things happen. It changes your view of God's commandments. It changes your view of others and of your capacity to make a difference.

Proclamations

#4

Proclamation from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

issued on April 6, 1980, from Fayette, New York 

President Spencer W. Kimball announced the proclamation during the Sunday morning session of the April 1980 general conference and the 150th anniversary of the organization of the Church. He and then Elder Gordon B. Hinckley joined conference proceedings from the restored Peter Whitmer Sr. farmhouse, with Elder Hinckley reading the proclamation, which detailed the Church's Restoration, progress, doctrine, mission, and message.

Inklings

Would you demand that the price be paid twice?

Up at 4:37. When I've been gone a day sometimes it's hard to play "catchup", especially with my blog. 

 James got to talk to the doctor today about his problem. He mentioned to her that she never called in a prescription for him and she showed him where she did. It's on CVS's end and that doesn't surprise me one bit. She called CVS and hopefully set things in motion. 

After talking to the doctor I think James felt a little better. At least she admitted that something was wrong and they needed to take care of it.

I spent a couple of hours online chatting with 3 agents at Dish Network about my bill and why I am being charged for two receivers when I only have one. I guess that's why I was sent two new smartcards. One guy was extremely rude telling me my receiver was obsolete and the smartcards wouldn't work in it anyway. When I gave him the numbers of the smartcards he said neither one was available to use. What? I don't understand why they sent them to me anyway. I told him I was done talking with him and I wanted another agent. The next girl was very nice and said she would send me another smart card. She seemed to think it would work in my receiver. I told her the model number. I'm hoping it will work because I want to get on their Flex Plan which will save me lots of money. It's exhausting talking to rude people. 

Our neighbor, Brother MacArthur, came over today with a load of wood. James was taking a nap but I got him up. Jarred is a hunter and admired the bucks on the wall. He said he got drawn for a bull elk and will be hunting in the next couple of weeks. His wife, Chelsea, is pregnant and her due date is December 10th.

James had been having kind of a miserable day but the experience with Jarred made him happy. He said, "He's such a nice guy. He's given away 15 cords of wood this year." I don't think Jared and Chelsea knew how what they did came at the right time. I wrote them a text and this is what I said: "I want you to know how much your service today meant to us. Normally James is a very independent, do it myself kind of guy. Recently he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has radiation treatments in the morning and today they zapped his energy. He has spent much longer than usual in bed. He would get up and try to work and then go back to bed. When Jarred came over and brought the wood it made James so happy. He was touched by Jarred's kindness. Your service came at a time when we really needed it. I can't thank you enough!

It's great to have such good neighbors! We need to be careful about labeling people who don't come to church regularly as inactive. Jarred is actively out there serving others as the Savior would. 

This evening we walked and watched our Christmas movie, "The Great Christmas Switch." 

Cotswolds

  

 

Mon, Nov 8th, 2021:Temple #85 Villahermosa, Mexico, Radiation & oil change, Costco, AARA, Kim's, OG, Home, Addy & Kayla, Charlie & Summer

 

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

3 Nephi 11:11

And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 23:1-14

D&C

Saints chapter 38-39

"Come Follow Me"

D&C 129-132 "When We Obtain Any Blessing from God, It Is By Obedience"

OctGenCon

"Faith To Act and Become"

Elder Ciro Schmeil

Of the Seventy

"Elder Schmeil, you are called for what you can become." I walked away from that experience pondering about what the Lord wants me to become. As I thought about this, I realized that He wants me to become a better husband, father, and son and a better servant. I then realized that all of this could be accomplished as I worked to become a better disciple of the Savior Jesus Christ.

Proclamation

#3

Proclamation of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles,"

issued on October 21, 1865, in Salt Lake City - This proclamation was sent to Church members to correct certain theories about the nature of God and established the order that new doctrine is to be announced only by the First Presidency.

Inklings

Some miracles happen within the walls of our home. Behind closed doors. The moments where He meets us where we are as we are.

The pouring out. The pouring in. His touch on the heart and it's reflection in a life. This is Grace.

Up at 4:38. Today is my infusion. I have it once a month and have to travel to the valley to get it. Up until this morning I wasn't sure if James was going to go with me. 

We left for James's radiation treatments a little before 7. I dropped him off at the cancer center at 7:30 then drove directly over to Walmart's automotive center and was first in line to get my oil changed. A few minutes later there were four cars behind me so I'm glad I got there when I did. The doors opened at 8. I wanted the same oil I used last time which is $32.88. They were out and had to get oil off the shelf in the store and because it wasn't "in bulk" they charged more. I wound up paying $61.58. I'm just glad to have it done. 

James and I shopped while we were waiting. I bought 3 Christmas presents. When we were finished we went across the street to Circle K to get gas and to wash the car. On the way out of town we stopped at Burger King where we both got a Whopper Junior. James cannot eat before his treatments so he was hungry. As we drove past the old K-Mart I noticed they are remodeling the entrance way which means someone must have rented the building. I wonder who it is!

I'm so grateful that James is going with me and that he doesn't murmur too much about going the Payson way. We finished our scripture reading and then started listening to "My Fair Gentleman." I fell asleep for about an hour and a half. James had to catch me up on the story. 

It was around noon when we arrived in the valley and my appointment at the AARA isn't until 1:30 so we decided to go across the street to Costco and do a little shopping. The first thing I did was go to the back of the store to get a package of toilet paper. The limit is one and it was almost gone. I also got a case of water. Sister Crane is buying plates, napkins, and cups for the ward at Sam's Club and I am getting bowls, spoons, and forks. I also bought 7 Christmas presents. James got some green olives and pot pies. I bought a box of pumpkin bread mix, and that was it. After checking out James drove across the street for my appointment. I was early but that's okay because they normally take me back early as they did today. I have lost four lbs. since last month. Frances started my infusion and did a great job. I barely felt a little prick. 

While sitting and relaxing I watched The Drew Barrymore Show with Michelle Pfeiffer as a guest. She has her own perfume company named after her kids, Henry and Rose. The name of the company is Henry Rose. She gave Drew a set of her latest fragrances.

One of the men patients at the infusion center was very talkative. First he said he could eat tacos everyday but when asked what kind of tortillas he liked he couldn't tell us. He didn't know the difference. What?  He also talked about his mom's $3,000 cat, a main coon, that weighs 25 lbs. I can't imagine having a cat that big in my house. 

I was done in an hour and we were on our way to our next destination, Kim's. Kim is going through her year's supply and has lots of cans from the cannery that have expired. We took them from her. We got sugar, refried beans, apple chips, and potatoes. I turned down the carrots and flour. I have some flour and it has a metallic taste to it. The carrots are meh. I wasn't sure we could get it all in the car, but we did. Kim carried out the cases for her dad, although he carried them in and downstairs when we got home. 

When we left Kim's we drove to the Olive Garden near the 101. It was between 2 and 3, but we were hungry. I ordered soup, salad and breadsticks. I had the zuppa toscana soup, one bowl and then I decided I wanted cheesecake instead of more soup. James says those little machines on the table with the pictures of the desserts are evil.

Olive Garden cheesecake with strawberry sauce is the best! James ordered the chicken marsala. Because it was so slow in coming the waitress told him there would be no charge. I told her that wasn't necessary but she insisted. The chicken marsala was not up to par. The sauce was minimal and James said it didn't taste right. He had two pieces of chicken. The first one was fine but the second was so tough he could hardly cut through it and it did not taste good. When he told the waitress I guess she told the manager because the manager came over and gave us a $15 gift card. Even though the food wasn't up to par we certainly got good service and will come back again.

Back in the car, "My Fair Gentleman" and on to Payson. Again, I fell asleep. I'm so glad I didn't have to drive down by myself! We stopped in Payson for gas because it was $3.25 at Speedway. The only problem was, none of the pumps had any gas. We drove on to Show Low and got gas at Speedway for $3.39. 

We finished our book and we both really liked it. Nancy Campbell Allen is a good writer. 

It was somewhere between 7 and 7:30 when we got home. After unloading the car and putting most things away, I stacked the blankets on one of the couches and will take them downstairs tomorrow, I walked and James and I watched our Christmas movie, "The Spruces and the Pines" on GAC. We were in bed by 10:06.

These photos of Charlie, Summer and the cat were taken

Sunday evening at Jared & Kacey's when Summer 

came over for dinner

Cake by Courtney

Addy & Kayla