OUR FAMILY

Friday, March 4, 2022

Tue, Mar 1st, 2022: Sydney Australia Temple, Swollen face, 3 layer choc cake w/fudge frstng Sandra, James indexes 7000, Deliver cake, valley Darrel's

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

Psalms 18:46

The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 23:1-22

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 28; 29:1-18 I am promised the blessings of Abraham in the temple. Genesis 29

OctGenCon

"The Name Of The Church Is Not Negotiable"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Remember President Nelson's words?

"I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord's Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen."

"Make Time For The Lord"

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always.

When I got up this morning the left side of my face, on my cheek, was swollen. Eventually it moved over to my right jaw. What is this? It finally went away.

James and Chuck both fed Luna this morning. James told Chuck we needed him to feed her on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Now Chuck will be feeding Luna twice because we still need him on Wednesday.

There was no wind today and the high was 55 degrees. A perfect day. After lunch I usually go to my recliner and rest. Sometimes I turn on the TV as I did today. I watched "Pen Pal". Cute movie and the French guy was dreamy.

I baked a cake for Sandra Wilhelm this morning. Her birthday is tomorrow. I got out my 3 eight inch cake pans and prepared them.

I made a German chocolate cake mix and poured it equally (sort of) in the three pans and baked them for around 20 minutes. They look perfect. After letting the cake cool for 10 minutes I took the cake out of the pans, wrapped them up and put them in the freezer. This afternoon I made my fudge frosting (it's actually the frosting you put on a Texas sheetcake.) and began frosting the cake. I had to do very little to level the cake. I wish I would have taken a picture. When I was finished frosting the cake I put it in the cake carrier and it went back in the freezer.

After finishing the cake and cleaning up I went to pack my suitcase, computer, book bag, and purse to get ready for our trip to the valley.

Packed and ready to go we left a little after four. We stopped at the Wilhelm's with Sandra's card and cake. She was home and she seemed excited when she saw the cake. I gave George the mini lemon cakes and reminded him that he told me his mom liked lemon.

In Show Low we stopped at Burger King to get our dinner. Each of us ordered a Whopper Jr. with mustard instead of mayonnaise. Delicious and not too big. We went the Globe way because we are going straight to Darrel and Trina's and it is closer than going the Payson way. It wasn't too bad. And we got to Darrel's before 7:30.

As usual Rowan and Ruby helped us carry our suitcases in. Darrel was home and so was Lola but they were in their bedrooms. Rowan also said he washed our sheets and put them back on the bed.

When Darrel came out the first thing he said was, "We got Rowan a car." I said it was a little early and he said it was now or never because Bryce was selling it. It was Suzy's, Trina's mom's car. It's a white Honda Accord or Toyota. Rowan seems very excited.

James and I went outside and walked around the common area several times so I could get my 10,000 steps.

Trina and Addy were at work when we got there. As soon as Trina got home she changed her clothes and began working on ShopWhirlyGirl. She has a market place to go to tomorrow, a boutique and her partner quit so she is doing everything by herself. She looked tired.

Ruby was working on a school project when we arrived, a diorama with birds, trees, etc. When she was finished she asked me to play a game but I said I was going to bed because grampa would be sad if I didn't. I then changed my mind and said I would play. Darrel said he would play. It was a game I didn't know I Ruby would have to explain the rules to me. I told her if her dad backed out to come upstairs and knock on the door and I would get out of bed and play with her. She just laughed. I said, "You mean you won't do that." She said no.

Darrel thought Lola was upstairs watching TV and yelled for her to come downstairs. She said something back but he couldn't hear her so he said, "If you don't come down you will be grounded from the TV." She came down crying and said she was cleaning the rabbits cage. Trina gave her a hug. I said, Lola, I'm going to give your dad a spanking, I'm his mom you know. Darrel laughed and so did Lola.

We went to bed before Addy got home. I hope I get to see her tomorrow.

Sheri's dinner

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Mon, Feb 28th, 2022: Boise Idaho Temple, DMT, Unshaken, Chuck takes trash, paid bills, outrageous Walmart bill, "Beyond the Lavender Fields, J indexes

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

Psalms 18:31

For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 21:1-22:6

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 28-33 "Surely the Lord is in This Place"; The House of Israel; Genesis 28

OctGenCon

"Facing Our Spiritual Hurricanes By Believing in Christ"

Elder Sean Douglas

Of the Seventy

"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

"And straightway the father . . . cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

This humble father wisely chose to trust his belief in Christ rather than his doubt. President Nelson shared, "Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life."

How merciful is our God to place the bar for us at the level of believing and not at the level of knowing!

"Miracles of The Gospel of Jesus Christ"

Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr.

Of the Seventy

Through repentance we draw upon the cleansing, sanctifying power of Jesus Christ. It is a key part of the process of conversion.

"Look Down The Road"

Elder Alvin F. Meredith III

Of the Seventy

We can be rescued. When Peter began to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him." When we find ourselves sinking, when we face affliction, or when we falter, we too can be rescued by Him.

Liahona

What Is RootsTech?

RootsTech 2022 is a free global family history event, held virtually, where people of all ages learn to discover, share, and celebrate their family connections across generations using technology. RootsTech 2022 begins March 3.

I got up at 4:44 this morning, a little ahead of the game. The first thing I asked myself was: "Where did February go?" I can't believe today is the last day. It is the shortest month of the year. It seems like it just flew by!

Today on "Don't Miss This" Emily said, our God is a God who promises, provides and prevails. I like that. Today in my reading Jacob's name was turned to Israel which means persevere with God, or God prevails. Emily also said that Genesis 28:15 is a five finger promise: And, Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Chuck went to the dump and took our garbage along with his own. He and James seem to be taking turns. One week Chuck goes and one James.

I paid the mortgage payment today and paid off both credit cards. It was a close call but I managed to do it. I'm so grateful that James was able to collect some money!

This afternoon James and I went to town. James had bloodwork done and I shopped at Walmart. When we checked out we were both shocked! Our total was $314.32! I was appalled and decided we needed to make some changes. I went over the receipt with a fine tooth comb when I got home and decided on ways we could cut back.

This evening I started a new book with James, "Beyond the Lavender Fields". I'm also reading "Summerhaven."

I bought stuff for Sandra Wilhelm's birthday cake which I will make tomorrow. Her birthday is on Wednesday when we will be in the valley. Actually we are leaving tomorrow around 4 p.m.

James is an indexing machine.

Another Jensen wedding

Ziggie

Ollie and Evan

Daddy Griffin with his girls

Mabel Jane, Erik's daughter is 12

Sun, Feb. 27th, 2022: Mexico City Mexico Temple, Dad's bday, J Ward council, pack a lunch, Sacrament mtg Wilhelm's, We give prayers, RS, Debra Martin, ministering mtg, Pierce sick, Rootstech class

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

Psalms 18:2

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 20:12-34

"Come Follow Me"

Review Genesis 24-27 "The Covenant is Renewed"

OctGenCon

"Giving Holiness To The Lord"

Bishop L. Todd Budge

Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

In modern usage, the term sacrifice has come to connote the concept of "giving up" things for the Lord and His kingdom. However, in ancient days, the meaning of the word sacrifice was more closely tied to its two Latin roots: sacer, meaning "sacred" or "Holy," and facere, meaning "to make." Thus, anciently sacrifice meant literally "to make something or someone holy." Viewed as such, sacrifice is a process of becoming holy and coming to know God, not an event or ritualistic "giving up" of things for the Lord.

"Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God"

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Of the Seventy

The Book of Mormon teaches that Jesus Christ would "take upon him" our pains, sicknesses, and infirmities so He can succor us. How can you draw upon the power that Jesus Christ offers to succor you and strengthen you in times of suffering? The key is binding yourself to the Savior by keeping the covenants you have made with Him. We make these covenants as we receive priesthood ordinances.

"One Percent Better"

Elder Michael A. Dunn

Of the Seventy

As to repentance's prerequisite of faith, the scriptures are clear. All that's initially required is a mere "particle of faith." And if we can muster this "mustard see" mentality, we too can expect unexpected and exceptional improvements in our lives. But remember, just as we would not attempt to go from being Attila the Hun to Mother Teresa overnight, so too should we reorient our patterns of improvement incrementally. Even if the changes needed in your life are wholesale, begin at a small scale. That's especially true if you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

Inklings

"Simply Beautiful - Beautifully Simple"

Elder Gary H. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Matthew 22;36-40

Alma 18

Alma 20:26

"It has been said the gospel of Jesus Christ is simply beautiful and beautifully simple"

Today would have been my dad's 91st birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!

James left around 7:15 for ward council. I was studying from the Book of Mormon when he left. When I finished studying I went in and packed a lunch for myself. We are having a Relief Society ministering meeting after the block and it may take a couple of hours or so. As I was getting ready for sacrament meeting I listened to my Glenn Yarborough songs. As a teenager I had this LP and at night before I went to bed I would turn on the record and let it play while I went to sleep. As I was playing it this morning it brought back memories. As I was leaving I played Carrie Underwood's My Savior album. Good music. This one reminds me of my Nannie. Before she joined the church she had some good gospel music. She gave me the sheet music and I learned to play some of it as a kid. "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In the Garden."

The only thing about getting to church a little early is the bishop comes and shakes your hand and asks you to give the prayers in the meeting. I gave the opening prayer and James said the closing.

John and Sandra Wilhelm were the speakers in sacrament meeting today and Ruthie was the youth speaker. Ruthie spoke about the new Young Women's theme. Sandra told a story about Lacy Rawlings who lost two children and a nephew when she and her husband crossed Tonto Creek during a flood. Sandra said that Lacy got a job at a mortuary because she wanted to show compassion to others who lost loved ones. Sandra then told how Trenda lost her father-in-law and Lacy and Trenda's mother-in-law, Tami Ellsworth, were friends and how much Lacy was able to help Tami through this difficult time.

I can't remember John's talk and I am not at home to look at my notes from sacrament meeting. I did write "It was good" in my small journal.

After the meeting was over I spoke with Ruthie and George. I told Ruthie she did a good job and congratulated her on being a state wrestling champion. I then asked them what kind of cake their mother liked. Her birthday is on Wednesday and I want to make her a cake. George, who is five said he thought she liked lemon. Ruthie agreed. I asked if she liked chocolate and they both said yes.

Kerri conducted Relief Society today. She thanked everyone for praying for her when she had her kidney transplant. I sat near the back on the same row as a sister I did not know. We were the only ones on our side of the room in this row. After I was done signing birthday cards and passed them on to Kerri I introduced myself to this sister. Debra Martin. I've heard Tamara talk about her. Her husband died in November and she has been coming to church since then. Debra lived in Chandler on Ivanhoe between Arizona Ave. and Alma Sch Rd. I told her where I lived and we talked about Chandler for awhile. Then she started telling me about the grief her husband's son gave her when her husband passed away. She finally had to get a restraining order against him. When Debra left I said goodbye and told her I was so glad I got to meet her. She returned the sentiment.

Rosie Lauritzen was the teacher today and we studied "Worthiness is Not Flawlessness" by Brother Bradley Wilcox. We had a good discussion. Rosie asked what grace meant and I gave her an answer based on Emily's description. Grace heals wounds and elevates souls. Sister Wallace added that to her grace is mercy. Someone doing something for us that we cannot do for ourselves. I like that too.

After Debra left, Maxine, Kerri, Tamara, and I set up for our ministering redo meeting. Maxine gave the opening prayer. We started our meeting at 11:30 and worked until after 1. We felt good about the changes we made and we will be ready to move forward with our new assignments next Sunday, the first week of March.

When I get home James is asleep on the bed. I go to the recliner and lie down. A little while later James comes in acting worried. He says he was concerned because I was gone so long. He then proceeded to tell me something Brother Peeler said about me in Elders Quorum. He taught today's lesson and said he was sorry Sister Lambson couldn't be here to teach because she is such a good teacher. You saw an indication of that last week when she taught in Sunday School but I've seen it over and over again as we meet in our "Come Follow Me" group. Thank you Brother Peeler but now I feel like I have to live up to a certain standard. I hope I don't disappoint you.

Catherine Halcomb texted me and asked if I could take her to the doctor on Wednesday. I had already committed to James to go to the valley with him, which I told her. I told her I was sorry. She was able to get Sue Hubble to commit to take her and she called it a "tender mercy."

I have not heard from Ginger for a few days so I texted her. Her daughter is expecting a baby and they had a baby shower for her. Ginger has two daughters that are visiting her.

Pierce was not at church today and I asked James to text him to see if he was okay. This is the return text that he got:

Yes, I am fine. It's just that I have a nasty cold, and didn't want to share that with anybody! I am right at the peak of coughing and phlegm, so I would put the fear in people's hearts. I'm just isolating myself until the nastier symptoms are gone. I did sleep a lot for a couple of days, but I am feeling somewhat better now. This was all complements of a grandson that I was babysitting about a week ago. His nose was running like a faucet.

Thanks for inquiring! How are you doing? Any relief? Anything new? I'm glad we checked on him.

James fixed dinner for us, shrimp and veggies, and then he did the dishes. I am so grateful!

We finished our book, "The Slow March of Light", the true story of Bob Inama. Louisa was a composite fictional character. We really liked the book because of Bob's integrity and his testimony of the gospel and his purpose for being a prisoner in a German prison. He said the reason he was there was to help bring the gospel to Adolf. Later he heard from Adolf and because of Bob's example he joined the church. Such a good ending!

James indexed most of the day. I went online and took a Roostech class from last year about finding your ancestors in books and print. There are 85 classes and I have a year to take them.

Happy Birthday Dad!