Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Sun, Feb 20th, 2022: Seattle Washington Temple, Works of Abraham, Sacrament mtg, SS, Sheri's 47th bday, puzzle, ice cream cake, "Aurora Teagarden"

 

Seattle, Washington
19th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Resurrection
Zechariah 13:6
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 10:18-11:8
"Come Follow Me"
Review Genesis 18-23 "Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?"

OctGenCon
"The Faith To Ask And Then To Act"
President Henry B. Eyring
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Your remember from the Book of Mormon that Nephi taught us that faith in Jesus Christ is the key to receiving revelations of truth and the key to having the confidence that we are following the Savior's direction. Nephi wrote the following words centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ into mortality:
"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."
Inklings
"Facing Our Spiritual Hurricanes"
Sean Douglas
Mark 9:14-29
Matthew 11:28-30
2 Kings 5:1-17

I had planned on getting up at 6 to finish preparing for the presentation Brother Applegate asked us to do in Sunday School today but I slept right through until 7. I got the paper "The Works of Abraham" out and filled in the blanks. It looks something like this:


James, Sheri, Evan, Rowan and I all walked in to sacrament meeting together. The first person to speak to me was Wendy DeWitt. She said she had heard we were sick and acted concerned. I told her we were much better. Wendy never used to talk to me but since I made her a cake for her birthday and delivered it to her she has been super nice to me. It's nice to have her for a friend. 

We were going to sit up near the front of the chapel but with the seating every other row, we couldn't find anything so we went to the back overflow. The chapel was full because this is a holiday weekend. 

Bishop conducted today and he had his son Colter give the youth talk and his wife Alicia give the next talk. 

Colter Hunsaker - The roles of the Holy Ghost: 1) bears witness of the Father and the Son 2) reveals the truth of all things, 3) sanctifies those who have repented and become baptized, 4) He is the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Alicia Hunsaker - Found a talk in her files that she gave in 1995 and is using it today because she thought the bishop was joking when he asked her to talk and she didn't leave herself any time to prepare. Alicia spoke about the temple and temple worship. Ezra Taft Benson story of when he was a boy seeing his mother ironing her temple robes. She told him about the temple and he could tell how important it was to her. This stuck with him throughout his life. She also quoted from a talk by Boyd K. Packer in 1995, The Holy Temple. Elder Packer also wrote a book called The Holy Temple. I have it and have read it. Alicia then told about going with the Grombachs to do baptisms on Friday.

Brother Webb from the High Council - The stake theme for this month is Hearing Christ through prophets and pure revelation. The featured talks are Elder Renlund's "The Peace of Christ Abolished Enmity", and Elder Soares, "The Savior's Abiding Compassion."
Brother Webb used Elder Renlund's talk for the basis of his talk. 
"When the love of Christ envelops our lives, we approach disagreements with meekness, patience, and kindness."
The pandemic is a spiritual stress test. We need to be ministering in a higher and holier way. John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Cease to be contentious: 3 Nephi 11:30 - Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. 4 Nephi 1:18 - And how blesed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land. 4 Nephi 1:16 - And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

Unity requires effort. What can I do to foster unity? How can I help others to draw closer to Christ? Even former enemies can be united in Christ, example of the Russians and Finish people at the dedication of the Helsinki temple. D&C 38:27 - Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.

 After sacrament meeting Sheri, Evan, and Rowan went back to the cabin. I introduced myself to the brother behind us with two small children. His name is Kent Frost. He is here visiting but they have a place up here. I did not see a wife. Brother Frost did come to Sunday School and obviously took his two children to Primary.

I sat in the front row by Sandra Wilhelm during Sunday School. She said she wanted to be like me and know the scriptures like I do. She said I was so smart. I told her I wasn't smart, just old, and I said I would like to be like her, which is true. She is the mother of ten children and she is so kind and patient with them.

Brother Applegate introduced the lesson and then James went up and introduced Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant. I was up next and use the Works of Abraham paper to start a discussion about Abraham and his character traits. I felt like it went well and afterwards Brother Applegate thanked us for our part in the lesson.

James and I spoke with a couple who have land by the Hunsaker's. Their last name is Minharo. When we told them we had lived in Chandler for over 40 years Sister Minharo, Katie, said her dad lived in Chandler. Reed Brown is her dad. James was his Deacon's quorum advisor and Priest quorum advisor. His mom is Theola Crawford, another old friend from Chandler. She is 97 years old and lives in Sun Lakes. It's a small world. Also, Rowan knows their son, he has a class with him. They live near Signal Butte and Williams Field, just south of Darrel and Trina.

As we were leaving Brother and Sister Grombach approached us and asked if we would be willing to teach them the temple prep classes. Sister Judy Hunter, a single sister, is the teacher but Sister Grombach thinks Willie would be more comfortable with James as a teacher. He did some work on the fence for James and that's when they got to know each other. We said we would love to if it was all right with the bishop. Jana, Sister Grombach, assured us they had his permission.

When we got home Sheri was making mac and cheese for lunch. James and I both had some. After lunch the boys were watching The Office. James came over and said to me, "should I make them turn it off.?" I said that's up to you...and then he walked away. About that time Sheri, who was at the puzzle table said, "boys, I don't think this show is appropriate for you to watch. Could you please turn it off." Thank you Sheri. The boys turned it off and went outside.

I took a nap and then got up and finished Sheri's cake, making whipped cream frosting and putting the cake together. It didn't look very professional but it sure tasted good. We sang happy birthday to Sheri and everyone had a piece of cake, including James.

   
My first attempt at using ganche and
that is what made the cake look so
amateurish. It was way too think,
but again, it tasted good.
The boys rode the Razr in the mud and they got it muddy, themselves and their clothes muddy, and the blankets they used muddy.

Sheri finished her puzzle, James indexed, and this evening after pizza and taquitos for dinner, Sheri and I went into the bedroom and watched the latest episode of Aurora Teagarden, "The Haunted House." Probably not appropriate for the Sabbath.

My most favorite picture of
Scarlett ever!

Not feeling well.
Beauty dress and a tent




One candle because you are #1
on your birthday

Getting ready to sing to Sheri


No picture!



 








Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Sat, Feb 19th, 2022: Tokyo, Japan Temple, Sheri runs, big brkfst, Wedding Veil1-3, Boys snowman, "Harmony from the Heart", bake cake

 

Tokyo, Japan
18th operating temple
Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Resurrection
Hosea 13:14
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 9:50-10:17
"Come Follow Me"
FSS Genesis 18:14; 16-33; 19:15-17; 21:9-20; 22:1-14; Genesis 23


OctGenCon
"To Be A Follower Of Christ"
Elder Alfred Kyungu
Of the Seventy
In modern scripture, we read the inspired words of the Prophet Joseph smith reflecting the Lord's encouragement to us: "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (D&C 128:22).
Let us have the courage to do what is right even when it is unpopular - the courage to defend our faith and to act by faith. Let us have the courage to repent daily, the courage to accept God's will and obey His commandments. et us have the courage to live righteously and to do what is expected of us in our various responsibilities and positions.
"Hold Up Your Light"
Elder Marcus B. Nash
Of the Seventy
When we were baptized, each of us entered into a perpetual covenant with God to "serve him and keep his commandments," which includes "to stand as witnesses of Him at all times and in all things, and in all places." As we "abide In" Him by keeping this covenant, the enlivening, sustaining, sanctifying power of godliness flows into our lives from Christ, just as a branch receives nourishment from the vine.
Liahona
"Old Testament Symbols
Genesis 6-27

Olive Branch




Up at 6:30, but it's okay because I didn't go to bed until after 11:30. I need all the beauty rest I can get! While Sheri is running I am studying, praying, and blogging. 

When Sheri gets back from her run she takes a shower and then makes breakfast for the boys, bacon and blueberry muffins. This is breakfast #1. The second breakfast is venison gravy and biscuits. This breakfast is for Sheri but James and I partake too. This is my favorite breakfast in the world.

Sheri and I watched The Bridal Veil Trilogy today. Two this morning and afternoon and the new one this evening. Sheri said her favorite was the first one with Lacey Chabert and Kevin McGarry. My favorite was the second one with Autumn Reeser in Italy with all the Italians.

We were going to take the boys sledding but Evan didn't want to go and Ro didn't want to go without Evan. They went outside and rode the Razr and even built a snowman. They go sooo muddy!


Another Hallmark movie we watched was "Harmony From the Heart." This is the movie James and I watched the other night that James liked so much. The Jessice Lowndes and Jessie Metcalf movie. When the movie was over Sheri and I made dinner. She made baked ziti and I made Jared's french bread, except I didn't leave it under the broiler long enough. 

This evening we watched the last "Bridal Veil" movie in the  bedroom while James worked on indexing. He puts us to shame. 
Allison Sweeney and Victor Webster are the stars of this movie. I really like Victor Webster. I loved these three movies and enjoyed watching them with Sheri. 

Sheri started working on a Star Wars puzzle she found on the shelf. I didn't know I had one. While she is working on this puzzle I made her birthday cake. I put the cake layers in the freezer and the pan with the ice cream in it. Tomorrow I will make the frosting and put it all together. I moved the cake layers too soon and they got squished. I hope I can fix them before I put the frosting on. I was the last one to go to bed because I needed to finish getting my steps.


I love she has her blanket and sleeping bag
that we gave her!

I want to make this cake!






I broke my favorite cup












Monday, February 21, 2022

Fri, Feb 18th, 2022: Sao Paulo Brazil Temple, James's job, Unshaken, Snow melting, Index, Tanna, Sis. Pronger, Cleaned upstrs, dwnstrs, Sheri, Evan, Rowan here

 

Sao Paulo, Brazil
17th operating temple
Dedicated: 30 Oct-Nov 2 1978
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Resurrection
Isaiah 26:19
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 9:31-49
"Come Follow Me"
Genesis 22:1-19 Abrahams' willingness to sacrifice. Isaac is a similitude of God and His Son. 
OctGenCon
"Deepening Our Conversion To Jesus Christ"
Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela
Of the Seventy
Delighting in the scriptures is more than hungering and thirsting for knowledge. Nephi experienced great joy during his life. However, he also faced difficulties and sadness (see 2 Nephi 4:12-13). "Nevertheless," he said, "I know in whom I have trusted" (2 Nephi 4:19). As we study the scriptures, we will better understand God's plan of salvation and exaltation, and we will trust in the promises that He has made to us in the scriptures, as well as in the promises and blessings of modern prophets.

"Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness
Bradley R. Wilcox
Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency
Elder D. Todd Christofferson has counseled: "To deal with something very big, we may need to work at it in small, daily bites. . . . Incorporating new and wholesome habits into our character or overcoming bad habits or addictions most often means an effort today followed by another tomorrow and then another, perhaps for many days, even months and years. . . .But we can do it because we can appeal to God . . . for the help we need each day."
Liahona
Noah's Ark
Genesis 6-11; Moses 8
In what ways does living the gospel of Jesus Christ protect our families during times of corruption and violence - just as the ark protected Noah and his family?

One of the things I like about Instagram and Facebook is that it helps me know what friends and family are doing. Today on Facebook there was a picture of Nathan Chubbs signing up to join the Navy. We remember Nathan as a Primary child and then as a very Young Man. His dad is very proud of him.

Today I listened and watched "Teaching with Power" with Ben Wilcox and I finished listening to Brother Halverson on "Unshaken Saints." Brother Halverson's presentation was four hours long so that was quite an accomplishment.

Armando will not be ready for the inspection this afternoon on the Rademeyer hangar job in Case Grande. He says he will be ready on the 28th for both the footings and the floor, and I think James was somewhat satisfied with that. 

One of my assignments for Relief Society is to ask Tanna is she is interested in learning more about the gospel. I asked and she said, yes, she was. This is exciting news. James says he will talk to Brother Anderson, the ward mission leader. Tamara was excited when I told her. Also, Sister Cyndi Pronger said she would be happy to be a ministering sister. 

This afternoon I went upstairs and made sure everything was clean and ready for company. It didn't take long. There wasn't much to do. The beds already have clean sheets on them and no one has been up there since that last week of December when Jared's family was here. Downstairs I had James take the battery out of the smoke detector because it kept beeping and then had him put away the ladder. There are still some Christmas things out but they are not in the way. We are officially ready for company. 

James fixed noodles and veggies for dinner. Quite yummy.

I studied the first chapter of "The Cleansing of America" and the nine things that will happen before the Second Coming. I also ran off a recipe for an ice cream cake. Sheri, Evan, and Rowan got her somewhere between 9:30 and 10. Sheri went to the Gilbert temple with Nancy Van Vleet this afternoon at 3 so she didn't leave to come up here until after 5:30 and then they stopped at Safeway in Show Low. 

James, Sheri, and I talked about Abraham calling Sarah his sister and why that was not a lie considering their culture. I read from my commentary about Sarah being Haran's daughter and Abraham's niece. Technically she could be called his sister.

We went to bed around 11:30.

Veleda's daughter



Tim's son Sam holding Jasmine's baby