Sun, Feb 13th, 2022: London England Temple, Covid self-test, Ward conference, Treat from Rosie, Amy's birthday cake delivery, blog,

 

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Skep 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Resurrection

Mormon 7:5

Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and reepent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:26-6:7

"Come Follow Me"

Review Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2 "To Be a Greater Follower of Righteousness"

OctGenCon

"Favored Of The Lord In All My Days"

Elder Moises Villanueva

Of the Seventy

My dear brothers and sisters, how do we react to our afflictions? Do we murmur before the Lord because of them? Or, like Nephi, do we feel thankful in word, thought, and deed because we are more focused on our blessings than on our problems?

Ginger

1 Nephi 3:9-31 and Genesis 18

I did a Covid test this morning before going to church. It came out negative, thank goodness.

Before our ward conference started Bishop Hunsaker announced that Darla Freeman was in a diabetic coma and Brother Freeman has asked us to pray for her. Darla was in a bad car accident a year or so ago and broke almost every bone in her body. I honestly didn't think she would survive but our ward prayed for her then and she did survive and we will pray for her now.

Today was our ward conference. Bishop Hunsaker spoke as did President Beeler. The bishop spoke about our commitment to the Lord. Are we "All In"? He talked about the importance of renewing our covenants each week and remembering Him. He encouraged us to ask ourselves this question: "Where is the Lord in my life?" Is He cleaning me in my corners and crevices? I'm not sure about corners but I have plenty of crevices. Another question the bishop asked us to ponder is: "Where am I at in my commitment level and is it enough for the Lord?" He said, "We are not a church of convenience, but a church of commitment and covenants. Are we doing what is needful everyday, prayer, scripture study, service? Recalculate our route if needed. His remarks reminded me of Elder Uchtdorf's talk, "Daily Restoration."

President Alder got up to do the sustainings. First he released Doug Wright from the high council and the stake Young Men's presidency and called brother James Brimhall to fill his place. 

President Alder talked about how he loves to come to Vernon because he feels like it is a refuge from the world.

President Beeler - Covenants, law of consecration. President Ballard's directive. What things can I do within my own life to show that I love the Lord first? Prophets always lead us to Christ. John 21:15 - ...Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

Matt 13:47 - Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every land.

The White Mountain stake is a gathering place for everyone. The Vernon ward is a kind ward. We should be the kindest stake in the world. 

Do I know Jesus better this year than last?

Have a walk with Jesus everyday.

The second hour was taught by President Smithson and Sister Wilcock, the stake Relief Society president.

Gather Scattered Israel thru the Covenant of Baptism

Deliberate Discipleship

* Draw close to God through prayer

* Fill your heart for love with others

* Strive to walk the Covenant path

* Share your heart

* Trust God to work His miracles

* Invite, invite, invite... people into your life.

On the way out of the chapel my friend Rosie handed me a bag with two big chocolate cookies and a small cake. She said, "Happy Valentine's Day." James and I ate the cookies on the way home. 

Today is Amy Reynold's birthday. I told her at church if I would have know I would have made her a cake. She said, "I wish you would have known." That's all it took, I'm making her a cake. I sent her this text: Chocolate cake, vanilla, white, or almond? Chocolate or almond frosting? I'm making you a cake so Cope doesn't have to. (Cope is her husband). Here was Amy's answer: You don't have to do that. But....if you really have your heart set on it, and I can't change your mind, my preference is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. 

Me: All righty then! Coming to your house soon!

It took me a few hours before Amy's cake was done. I took a short nap and then got up and baked the cake. After letting it cool, I put each layer in a ziploc bag and put the layers in the freezer for an hour. It's so much easier to frost if the cake is hard.

After the cake was in the freezer for an hour I made the frosting with butter, cocoa powder and milk and powdered sugar. I had just enough to frost a small three layer cake. I put one candle on top and told James when he delivered it that the one candle was to let Amy know she is number 1 today. 

We delivered the cake and a gift with a card somewhere between 5-6 this evening. Amy wasn't home but James told Teebow, who took the cake why the one candle. Teebow took my cake carrier. James promised me he would go pick it up later. Later on in the evening I got this text from Amy:

Oh my!!!! I wasn't expecting such a fancy cake and a gift, too! Thank you so much for the blanket and cake! That was very thoughtful of you!

Me: You are welcome! I hope you had a Happy Birthday!

Amy: I did, thank you I love the card too! Yes, if you hadn't made the cake, there wouldn't have been one. 

Me: I hope the cake tastes ok. Glad you liked the card.

Amy: The cake is DELICIOUS!

Me: Oh I am so glad! Enjoy!

I came home and used the rest of the powdered sugar to make frosting for the cake layer we are eating. I was a little short on powdered sugar so at first the frosting was a little runny and a darker brown color. I poured it over our layer of cake after adding some walnuts. It was delicious! Next time I'm using less powdered sugar so make a more chocolatey flavored frosting.

James's service today consisted of indexing and doing ministering interviews. My service consisted of making Amy a cake. Amy doesn't have any ministering sisters right now. I felt it was the least I could do for her.

Cope is more handsome in person.

One of the things I love about Amy is her

smile and her laugh. She exudes happiness!

Sabbath with Scarlett Jane

Benson, Emsley, Liana, Tildy Grapp

Happy Sabbath with Charlie

The Griffin girls

 

Sat, Feb 12th, 2022: Hamilton New Zealand Temple, Celebrate V-Day, Dickey's BBQ, Ride to Eagar, "The Bridal Veil, Unveiled", Charlie, Naomi,

 

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Apr 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Resurrection

Helaman 14:17

But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:10-25

"Come Follow Me"

Gen 17; Gen 16 Has the Lord helped me when I felt wronged?

OctGenCon

"Preparing for the Second Coming of Christ"

Elder Christoffel Golden

Of the Seventy

"The Second Coming will be a fearful, mournful time for the wicked, but it will be a day of peace for the righteous. The Lord declared:

"They that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived - verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day."

Ginger

1 Nephi 2:16 - 3:8 & Abraham:10:11

Slept in until 7. How shameful on a day I should be working at the temple. Happy Birthday Trina. When I talked to her she said she was going to watch Addy cross the finish line in her half marathon race. Way to go Addy!

Happy Birthday Trina!

James brought me what he called a "healthy" breakfast after the piece of pie I brought myself. Oatmeal and toast is more healthy than pie. 

James and I talked about it and decided we were going to "celebrate" valentine's day today instead of Monday. We aren't really party people so our celebrating looks pretty lame or normal. I went online and downloaded the Dickey's BBQ app and ordered a 2 for $24 special. 4 types of meat, 4 sides, two breads, and four sauces. The total cost was $26.61 which seems like a good deal for the food that we got. We picked up our food at 11:30 and drove over to the Lakeside stake center parking lot to eat. There were tables but we just ate in the car. We liked the baked potato mix, the green beans and the coleslaw. James didn't like the roll but I did. Of course. The brisket burnt ends were good and so were the pork burnt ends. We saved some of the meat for later. When we were finished eating we decided to drive up the 260 to Eagar and Springerville and make the circle home down the 60. The McDonald's in Springerville never has any ice cream so we went to Sonic. Dairy Queen line was way too long.

We had a nice drive. It was a beautiful day. We did not see any wildlife but that's okay. It was a relaxing way to spend the early afternoon.

I have been waiting since The Bridal Veil Trilogy was first advertised to see the second edition starring Autumn Reeser. It is on tonight and it is what I want to watch for our Valentine's celebration. It is a story about love. Whoever possesses the veil finds true love. I ask James what he wanted to do and he was fine with watching the movie with me. 

We walked and read before the movie came on so we could give our entire focus to the movie. Sometimes I walk while watching movies but not this one. The movie was filmed entirely in Italy and Bulgaria and Autumn said all of her co-stars were Italian. She said it was the most magical project she has ever worked on. 

I loved the movie! Was it realistic? No, not really, but who cares. I loved Autumn and her wardrobe. For a young actress she has a classiness about her. James liked the movie too. There is one more movie in the trilogy and it will air next week starring Allison Sweeney and Victor Webster. I like Victor Webster.

Fri, Feb 11th, 2022: Los Angeles California Temple, Dave Elkins, Ginger, Hamblin's excuse us, Michael, melted pie, WSGC, Florence Cluff, Charlie Addy

 

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Resurrection

Alma 40:16

And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection, a resurrection of all those who have been, or who are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:28-5:9

"Come Follow Me"

Gen 15-16; Gen 13:5-12, 13:16, 15:2-6, 17:15-19 Family Scripture Study

OctGenCon

"The Things of My Soul"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Keep the commandments.

The Lord has made it clear: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Strive each day to be and do a little better and to press forward in righteousness.

Always be worthy to attend the temple.

I call it being recommended to the Lord. Whether you have access to a temple or not, being worthy of a current temple recommend keeps you firmly focused on the things that matter, the covenant path.

The Cleansing of America

4. Once America is cleansed, the worldwide call will then go out to the members of the Church to flee to America before it is too late. This call will also invite all those who do not want to be drafted into the military world dictatorship to flee to America before it is sealed off.

5. The western hemisphere will then be sealed off so that it cannot be attacked because of the "roaring seas" which will prevent anyone from reaching America either by sea or by air.

6. The scripture says at that time America then will be the only place on the face of the earth where there will be peace. This will allow the people to be organized according to God's law. Zion cities will be built up to provide freedom, peace, and prosperity for the inhabitants of all faiths, and New Jerusalem will be set up as the capital to govern the entire land.

James went over this morning to our neighbor Dave Elkins to help him do something on his well. James said, "Dave just needed a pair of eyes." Dave has the equipment to pulls his own well rather than having to pay for it to be done when there is a problem. 

I got a text from Sister Hamblin this morning. Our texts went something like this:

Mindy: Good morning Karen. Just checking on you. How are you feeling. 

Me: I'm better thank you. I have had a cold and cough and no energy for about two weeks now. It takes me awhile to get well because the medicine I take for my rheumatoid arthritis compromises my immune system. I am planning on being there tomorrow. I still have a slight cough but it I don't have to talk too much I should be ok.

Mindy: Aww. Are you sure? We can cover you if you just need more time.

Me: More time would be nice but I didn't want to cause a problem for you your first week.

Mindy: Oh gosh. You're the best. Thank you. But we can do this. You get better!

Me: Mindy, you are the best. I love you and thank you!

Mindy: Love you too!

Just like that, I'm not working at the temple tomorrow. James spent most of the day looking for a substitute and then at the end of the day Brother Hamblin texted him and said that he had him covered. 

Ginger and I had a nice gospel discussion today. She is very excited to study the gospel and learn more. 

James and I walked around the high table today a few times while we listened to "Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart." It is one of the things that we do together. 

I sent out cards today. A birthday card to Benson, and a valentine to Pam and Ginger. Hopefully they will all get them on Monday as Benson's birthday is on valentine's day.

I made an instant pudding chocolate pie today but it "melted" because I didn't let it set up long enough. 

Here is a text I got from Michael today:

Michael: Hey grandma just wanted to let you know I miss you guys and love you. Hopefully I can make time to come up and see you soon, or maybe you guys will be down here sometime?

Me: We miss you too! We would be excited to see you anytime! We were just down there and won't be down again until next month.

Michael: I'm going to have to plan time maybe with Xan or Joe for a weekend trip then!

Me: Sounds great!

I wonder if he really will plan a weekend trip.

I watched part of an Autumn Reeser Christmas movie this evening where her co-star was Antonio Cupo. It's called "A Glenbrooke Christmas". I hadn't seen it for awhile and really enjoyed it. I will have to finish it tomorrow. 

It was a gorgeous day today with the high around 55.

Florence Cluff

So cool!

 

Thur, Feb 10th, 2022: Bern Switzerland Temple, Anthony Sweat, James does his chores, Mis Whitaker, CVS, Burger KIng, Gdwll, Trac Sply, McD's, Provo Temple,

 

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sep 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Resurrection

Helaman 14:20

But behold, as I said unto you concerning another sign, a sign of his death, behold, in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall

be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you; and also the moon and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:1-27

"Come Follow Me"

Gen 13-14; Gen 12:1-3; 13:15-16; 15:1-6; 17:1-8, 15-22; Abr. 2:8-11

The Abrahamic covenant blesses me and my family.

OctGenCon

"Addressing Mental Health"

Elder Erich W. Kopischke

Of the Seventy

One of the first things we need to learn is that we are certainly not alone. I invite you to study the topic of mental health in the LIfe Help section of the Gospel Library app. Learning will lead to more understanding, more acceptance, more compassion, more love. It can lessen tragedy while helping us develop and manage healthy expectations and healthy interactions.

Inklings - Live

I listened to Anthony Sweat and Emily Belle talk about Holy Covenants of the temple. Today Anthony focused on the law of the Gospel and the law of chastity. I followed along in my book.

Ginger and I did scripture study together this morning. I texted her some verses to read from the Book of Mormon and from the "Come Follow Me" lesson about Abraham. I asked some questions and she answered them and I made some comments too. It was good and she is so excited to be studying the scriptures with someone. She is such a sweetheart! I have never met anyone so kind and good as she is. 

This afternoon James and I went into town to pick up his prescription for his colonoscopy. James needed to us the bathroom but the bathroom at CVS was closed so he got his prescription and went across the street to Burger King to use their bathroom. He left me shopping at CVS. I am only sending out two Valentines this year, one for Pam and one for Ginger. Usually I make and send Valentines to all of my grandchildren but I just wasn't up for it this year. I wished I would have sent one to Charlie and Scarlett but I think I've waited too late. 

When I was finished shopping James still wasn't back so I texted him and asked him where he was. He said he was waiting for his Whopper Jr. I told him I would walk over, which I did. Of course he got me a Whopper Jr. too.  The only problem with the burgers is James had asked for mustard instead of mayo but they ignored him. He was trying to replicate our Whataburgers.

We dropped a box of books off at Goodwill and then went to Tractor Supply to get some more food for our pet pig, I mean horse. 

Before leaving town we stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream and some fries. Did you know a small order of fries cost $3.00. Yikes! No more fries for me!

James may not serve in the temple on Saturday so he asked for a substitute list. I guess he told Brother Hamblin, the new men's coordinator, that I have been sick and may not be there. I was planning on going. I didn't want to let Sister Hamblin down her first week as coordinator.

I read part of the first chapter of "The Cleansing of America" this evening. Here is what the first paragraph of the book says: 

Based on the writings of the prophets, the divine destiny of America cannot be completely realized until at least nine things have happened. Let us list the events and then we will see what the Lord and His prophets have said about them. For the next three nights I will list three events each night.

1. The message of the restored gospel must FLOOD THE EARTH in order to search out the remnants of Israel and prepare them for the great last gathering. Since 1989, nearly the whole world has been gradually opening up so this could be accomplished.

2. The great gathering cannot take place until America has been cleansed. The refers to the near future when the "time of the Gentiles" in America will be fulfilled. At that time the wickedness of the Gentiles will have so thoroughly "sinned against the gospel" and "descecrated the land" that it will go beyond the further endurance of God.

3. The Lord says the means by which America will be cleansed includes a desolating scourge which will eliminate the elements of wickedness among the Gentiles as well as the members of the Church.

More to come tomorrow.

Someday my cakes will look like this

I devised my own system like this once when

our stuff was in storage for a couple of years

James making the bed

Great idea!