Mon, Dec 6th 2021: Trip to Valley, Infusion, Lois & Dawn, Christmas shopping, staying at Darrel & Trina's, James's appt tomorrow, Frosty the Elf

 

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

Book of Mormon

Ether 4:1-19

D&C

Articles of Faith

"Come Follow Me"

The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 & 2 "We Believe"

OctGenCon

"The Need for a Church"

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

Some say that attending church meetings is not helping them. Some say, "i didn't learn anything today" or "No one was friendly to me" or "I was offended." Personal disappointments should never keep us from the doctrine of Christ, who taught us to serve, not to be served. With this in mind, another member described the focus of his Church attendance:

"Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, ... to volunteer for an assignment....

"In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people's lives."

We left the house for the valley around 6:30 this morning. My appointment at AARA is at 10:15 with Dr. Kumar so we are cutting it close.

We stopped at the Circle K on the corner of the 60 and the 260. I needed to use the restroom and I also bought James some breakfast, realizing that he had not had time to eat before we left this morning. I got him a breakfast croissant, a banana, and a tuna sandwich. The tuna sandwich because I know he likes them.

Going through Payson at my insistence, we arrived at AARA at 10:04 for my 10:15 appointment. When Dr. Kumar came in for my appointment I did not recognize her and after she had said a few things I said, "I'm sorry, but who are you"? She said, I am Dr. Kumar. I apologized and said it had been quite awhile since I had seen her. She just looked so young! We discussed the fact that I quit taking methotrexate because my hair has been falling out at an alarming rate. I told her I had noticed a difference in that I had not felt as good as I normally did when on the methotrexate. She mentioned another drug that I could take. I said no, I don't want any more drugs. I have been on methotrexate since 1984 and have, up until now, had no adverse side affects. I also mentioned to her that I had noticed I had lost more hair after having Covid. She found that interesting. Bottom line, I will continue as I am now doing without methotrexate. If I get worse I will either call or begin again taking methotrexate.

When James picked me up he had an Elmer's bean burrito for me, as I had asked. The only thing he forgot was to ask them not to put sauce on because I prefer them that way. It was still delicious!

We drove across the street into the Costco parking lot under a big shade tree, to eat our lunch. When we were finished we made the trek into Costco. The first thing we saw when we walked in the door was a display of "throws" or individual blankets. They were new to the ones I formally bought so we got five. We went back to the bakery and picked up a tuxedo cake, why didn't I take a picture, for the ward party on Saturday. We then went to the vitamins and supplements section where James got a prostate supplement and I bought some collagen. We checked out and headed for Tempe to see Lois and Dawn.

We put the tuxedo cake in Lois's frig while we were there and almost went off and left it. We had such a nice visit with Lois and Dawn and Dawn helped James load the twin mattress and box springs she is giving us,  into the back of the truck. James was talking about his cancer and the various treatments that were available. The sonic treatment he wanted to get cost anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000. Dawn offered to pay for it. She said she had $50,000 in savings and didn't know what she was going to do with it. When James refused she said, well I guess I will just die with $50,000. He was touched by her generosity but certainly could not take it.

Dawn told me she had just bought a Sam's Club membership for $45. She said she would be getting a rebate for it because she got the Sam's Club credit card, plus she would get $30 off her first order.

We went to Sam's Club and I bought a membership and then got the credit card. I had to go through a verification process but because I have such a good credit rating they issued me a card. It took awhile but mission accomplished. We did a little shopping but I was disappointed in their supply of blankets. I bought a chocolate cake to go with the tuxedo cake for our ward party.

Next stop, Darrel and Trina's where we are spending the night. We are always so grateful to Rowan for giving up his bedroom and bed so we can sleep comfortably while he sleeps on the couch.

When we arrived at Darrel & Trina's Addy and Lola helped carry in our suitcases and other items. We put the two cakes in the frig out in the garage. Rowan was asleep on the couch, Trina was making a trip to Goodwill, and Ruby is gone to science camp in Prescott. Oh how I am going to miss that girl!

Lola had two friends over, Capri and Oakley. Lola showed them her "elf". She, the elf, Frosty,  was in a mason jar because Lola can't touch her or Frosty will lose her magic. Capri said, "Your elf does more fun things than ours." Frosty is such a fun elf because Addy is in charge and writes the notes to Lola. Lola is so excited about Frosty and all of the fun things she does. 

When Rowan woke up he came over and gave me a hug. I told him I liked his haircut. He said, "I got it just for you gramma." Darrel told me he was upset they cut it too short but I appreciated what Rowan said to me.

James and I walked to Safeway this evening and took some pictures of some of the Christmas lights in the neighborhood. When we got home James was hungry so we went to Chikfila on Power Rd. 

Darrel got home from work and we visited with him. He told us about his friend who is making tons of money investing in Bitcoin.

We talked about the new parks being built in Gilbert and the price of concrete which is now around $125 a yard.

Lots of light tunnels!

I visited with Addy and she told me about the service project the young women are doing. They are taking bags to foster children filled with a blanket, a book, and a stuffed animal. Trina is still the Young Women's President so she has all the bags at her house. She seemed a little stressed saying she couldn't find her Christmas ornaments so she might not decorate her tree. Trina is a minimalist and I think when her house gets cluttered, she gets stressed. 

I love Rowan's bed. It is perfect for me, plus there is a fan right over the bed.

Sun, Dec 5th, 2021: Offcl Declr 1&2, Fast &Testimony Mtg, James & I share testimonies, Charlie, 1st Pres. Christmas Devotional

 

Asuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:17-2

D&C

Review DC 137-138

"Come Follow Me"

Review "The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

OctGenCon

"Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope"

Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Of the Seventy

Brothers and sisters, in this Church, we believe in the divine potential of all of God's children and in our ability to become something more in Christ. In the Lord's timing, it is not where we start but where we are headed that matters most.

"A Faithful Search Rewarded"

Elder Patricio M. Giuffra

Of the Seventy

One of the missionaries read Joseph's account of what happened as he prayed:

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

". . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other -

This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

 

We arrived at church a little early today to hand out Christmas cards from the ward council to all families in the ward.  They are a booklet

in an envelope and look like this:

I have not read it yet but I intend too soon.

Today was fast and testimony meeting and both James and I bore our testimonies. I felt prompted to share my feelings regarding Barbara.

I began with sharing a scripture from Moroni 7:16. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. I did not actually quote the scripture but I said that all good things come from Christ. I shared that Barbara did much good in her life and was a disciple of Jesus Christ. As we strive to do good, we are following the Savior. Barbara let me take her car to the valley for my infusion and she told me, "Keep it as long as you need it." She brought me several meals when we had Covid. A week before she passed away she texted me asking how James was and how they were so worried about him and were praying for him. This was when she had Covid and just before she got pneumonia. She and Pierce are both people who put other people's needs before their own. I testified of the Prophet Joseph Smith and of the Savior.

James testified of the Savior and expressed his love for the Vernon ward and sharing time with the Goodman's in our "Come Follow Me" group. It was a great heartfelt testimony. All in all it was a good meeting and Brother Allen did a great job conducting his first sacrament meeting. Pierce was not here today.

During Sunday School we sat by a sister who said she was new in the ward and introduced herself as Jasmine Lamb. I thought she looked familiar but couldn't place where I had seen her before. Tana was going to come today but I guess she had a plumber scheduled to come during the same time so she stayed home.

Brother Applegate's lesson was so good. We talked about why some former members were turning against the prophet Joseph Smith, the main one being William Law, his former counselor, who did not believe in plural marriage. Jimmie (Brother Applegate) had really prepared for this lesson. He uses a power point presentation and we had a great discussion. I texted Tamara later and told her to tell him that he did an awesome job. She said that he appreciates my participation. Most things that I learn come from reading "The Saints" or from listening to "Come Follow Me" podcasts.

Tonight we got to Facetime with Jared and Kacey, and Charlie. I asked Charlie what she wanted for Christmas and she said, roller skates and a rocket ship. Interesting for a little 3 year old girl but then I remembered that her favorite Disney movie is Cars. 

Ready to go and patiently waiting 

for Mom and Dad.

James said he felt really good during our church meetings this morning and did not have to leave once to go to the bathroom. I reminded him that it was probably because he had taken some Tramadol. 

This evening we watched The First Presidency Christmas Devotional. 

The Choir provided beautiful music

The First Presidency

Pres. Oaks conducted the meeting

Speakers:

Sister Michelle D. Craig

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Elder Mark Bassett

President Henry B. Eyring

Sister Craig's granddaughter Scarlett,

who is six, played a solo on the violin.

She did a great job!

It was a wonderful Sabbath day!

Sat, Dec 4th, 2021: Barbara Goodman's viewing, funeral, and luncheon, Kathy Arnett, Chea & Wayne Lamb, Scotlyn's 3rd Bday, "A 5th Avenue Christmas" I loved!

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father

John 17:7

Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:1-16

D&C

138:25-60

"Come Follow Me"

My ancestors in the Spirit World

OctGenCon

"The Love of God"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 Because God's love is all-embracing, some speak of it as "unconditional," and in their minds they may project that thought to mean that God's blessings are "unconditional" and that salvation is "unconditional." They are not. Some are wont to say, "The Savior loves me just as I am," and that is certainly true. But He cannot take any of us into His kingdom just as we are, "for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence." Our sins must first be resolved.

Today we said goodbye to our friend Barbara. My heart is so very sad because I feel as if I have lost one of my best friends, which I have. I took two salads, taco soup, and mini saltine crackers which Barbara introduced me to. 

I got to give my friend Cathy Arnett a hug and tell her how much I loved her. I thanked Chea and Wayne for bringing her. Cathy said how great it must be to live in Vernon. I told her it was a great place to live and suggested that she come and live with Pierce. She had told me once that he was more like a brother to her than a cousin. She just laughed and later I thought that maybe it would not be appropriate for them to live together.

I looked at Barbara's body in the casket and it did not look like her. I want to remember her the last time I saw her, at Emsley's baptism. 

I gave Pierce a hug and told him Barbara was my best friend and he said, "mine too and I miss her so much."

President Beeler was on the stand at the funeral. When we waited for the family to come in, they filled the entire center section of the chapel. Pierce sat on the front row and had his oxygen with him.

Bishop Hunsaker conducted the meeting. He looked at Pierce and said: "There is a lot of love in this room."  

Sister JoAnn Brown was the first speaker. She and her husband were good friends with Barbara and Pierce when they lived in Tucson.  

She said that Pierce was Barbara's home teacher and that is how their relationship developed. They were sealed in the Mesa temple in 1989. Barbara served with all of her heart. She was a stake Relief Society president and a ward Relief Society president and also served in the Young Women's organization and the Primary. The Brown's and the Goodman's vacationed at Lake Powell together and Barbara always brought the best treats. 

Sister Brown remembers going shopping with Barbara and would have to be careful what she admired. If she liked something Barbara would go back later and buy it for her. 

Barbara loved the Savior and would spend hours studying the gospel. She was kind, generous, and loved to laugh. This is the same Barbara I knew. She loved to make crafts and went to craft sales and garage sales. She sold her crafts in Pierce's dental practice in Tucson. 

Barbara was a good cook. If she was going to be gone she would worry about Pierce would eat. She said she pictured him opening the refrigerator and biting in to a head of lettuce because it was convenient. 

She told Pierce: She isn't gone, but is near you. She will be cheering her family on. We celebrate her life as a life well lived. She was ready to go.

The next speaker was Barbara's only daughter, Ashley. She said her mom was her best friend. She remembers Spam sandwiches, Scattergories games, and her mom being a spelling queen. She loved Cabbage Patch dolls, driving fast, and was a little sassy. Her signature dish was her mashed potatoes and gravy. She told Ashley that McDonald's had the perfect Coke. She said her mother would send Get Well Soon cards instead of Birthday cards so people wouldn't steal them.  

Ashley said that her mom loved bags, bags for everything. She could fall asleep in the blink of an eye. She was forgiving and thoughtful. 

When they got Covid Ashley asked if she wanted her to come to Arizona to take care of her. Ashley lives in Utah. Barbara said no "because I don't want you bossing me around."

Ashley arrived in Arizona to hold her mother's hand before she passed away. Ashley is looking forward to a joyful reunion with her mother. 

Our dear friend Owen Peeler gave a talk on the Plan of Salvation. He is a good friend and neighbor to Pierce. He is the one that sold Pierce his land and house. 

May the Lord's blessing of peace be with you. Read the words to the hymn #293, "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good." This was our friend Barbara. Our lives should be like Barbara's. Don't dwell on the negative, believe that you are going to make it if you desire to and are trying to.

Become as the Savior is.  Study the Creation, Fall, and Atonement. As we make covenants with the Savior and keep them we will return to live with Him and Heavenly Father. 

Bishop Hunsaker was the last speaker. He is also a neighbor of the Goodman's and the Peeler's. Our mortal existence is but a small moment. We need to ask ourselves, "What is my commitment to the Lord?

We were expecting 100 family and friends at the luncheon but ended up feeding 160 with some left over. Just like the Savior did when he fed the 5,000. We served soup, salad, rolls, and dessert. 

After everyone was served a few of those who worked in the kitchen sat at a table to eat. I was one of them. The Lauritzen's sat across with me and Brother Lauritzen said: "We didn't know you had such a hidden talent. Rosie agreed with him. I was confused and did not know what they were referring to. Brother Lauritzen said he did not know that I could play the piano so well. I said, I do not play well. 

Rosie said, Wasn't that you playing the piano at the funeral. I said no, it was not. I don't remember what the piano player looked like but I found it quite amusing that two people who know me well, thought it was me.

I guess the highlight of the entire meal for me was Sister Hunter's rolls. She made over 80 and they were delicious. I took four of them home and James like them as much as I did. I told her I needed to get her recipe. 

I left home before two because I needed to make a visit to the MacArthur's. Today is Scotlyn's 3rd birthday and I told Chelsea I had a gift for her. 

When I got to the MacArthur's Scotlyn opened the door with a Wonder Woman costume on. I wished her a Happy Birthday. As we went in the house Peyton, Scotlyn's older sister was asleep on the couch. Scotlyn led me over to the kitchen counter so she could sit down and open her gifts. I gave her a Calico Critter koala bear family, a red snowflake blanket, and two coloring books and some crayons. Scotlyn immediately began taking the clothes off of the little koala bears. We visited awhile and then it was time for me to go because they were going to a party in town at Pizza Factory. Chelsea gave me two dozen eggs. They have 21 chickens left out of the 24 they originally had and get about 20 eggs a day, way too many for their small family. 

I went home and put on my "cozy" clothes and headed for the recliner in the family room to relax and of course watch a Christmas movie. That chocolate cake I made is taunting me. Even without frosting it is delicious. I finally ended up throwing most of it away.

I watched "A 5th Avenue Christmas" this evening and it is now one of my favorites!

James said he loves our Christmas tree, and so do I. He seems to be feeling better today. He worked outside for quite sometime today and did not have to come in for a nap.

At the end of November Sheri and Kim get together to plan the family calendar for December. There are certain "traditions" they include in this calendar. The first Saturday of December the family who can and wish to, gather at Serrano's to have a meal together. Afterwards they used to go look at Christmas lights but more recently they go to the "Light the World" giving machines in Gilbert.

What a great tool! Just by pushing a button you can serve people around the world!

Barbara's Program

I miss her so much!

I think I posted it before, but I love it so much!

Christmas Tree Collection

Burt wants in

Burt finds the "sheepie" door

I think he should be admired for his

ingenuity.

 

Fri, Dec 3rd, 2021: Charlie & Elf find candy, James's antibiotics, Taco Soup, Chocolate cake, James's pain, walk, blog, Christmas movies

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Relationship with the Father

John 14:11

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Book of Mormon

Ether 2:13-25

D&C

138:1-24

"Come Follow Me"

Family Scripture Study & Family Home Evening

OctGenCon

"The Savior's Abiding Compassion"

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The compassionate attitude of Jesus is rooted in charity, namely, in His pure and perfect love, which is the essence of His atoning sacrifice. Compassion is a fundamental characteristic of those who strive for sanctification, and this divine quality intertwines with other Christian traits such as mourning with those who mourn and having empathy, mercy, and kindness. The expression of compassion for others is, in fact, the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a marked evidence of our spiritual and emotional closeness to the Savior. Furthermore, it shows the level of influence He has on our way of life and demonstrates the magnitude of our spirits.

The first thing I wrote in my journal notes for this day:

Dill pickle Lays are the best!

I watched three Christmas movies today:

"An Unexpected Christmas"

"A Boy Named Christmas"

"A Christmas Village Romance"

James went into town today and picked up his antibiotics. I hope they help get rid of any infection he might have. He has been very depressed about the pain he is feeling. This was one of those days where he worked outside for 20 minutes and then came in and took a nap.

I texted Chelsea M. today and asked if I could come and visit tomorrow. I told her I had a gift for Scotlyn, as it is her third birthday. 

I wanted to make Scotlyn a cake. I made a Swiss chocolate one from a mix and was going to frost it with the frosting I use for a Texas sheetcake only to realize that I forgot I don't have any powdered sugar, or at least not enough. I ended up eating much of the cake myself.

I made a taco soup to take to Barbara's funeral luncheon tomorrow. I put it in the refrigerator tonight and will heat it up in the morning.

I walked and blogged today. I don't like it when I get behind on my blog because it is so hard to catch up.

Charlie found some candy

1982

The elf finds candy like Charlie