Fri, Mar 4th, 2022: Taipei Taiwan Temple, Scriptures, Thomas's book, paid bills, cleaned pantry, Unshaken, swept, mopped, dusted, snowy rain,

 

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Nov 1984

Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

2 Nephi 9:45

O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 32; Family Scripture Study marriage covenant, work, forgiveness Genesis 28:10-22 Covenants are like rungs on a ladder and they bring us closer to God.

OctGenCon

"The Love Of God"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

In acknowledging that God loves us perfectly, we each might ask, "How well do I love God? Can He rely on my love as I rely on His?" Would it not be a worthy aspiration to live so that God can love us not just in spite of our failings but also because of what we are becoming? Oh, that He could say of you and me as He said of Hyrum Smith, for example, "I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart." Let us remember John's kind admonition: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

Liahona

"Transforming Contention into Love"

"As a conflict mediator, husband, and father, I have found that the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring us the light and strength needed to transform contention into love." - Chad Ford, Professor in Intercultural Peacebuilding, BYU-Hawaii

Up at 5:15 this morning. I read from Thomas Grapp's book this morning. He focused on writing about his children in his journal so they could read how he felt about them and loved them and appreciated them. In this chapter he talks about buying life insurance so that if something happens to him, his family will be temporally taken care of. He then talks about his journal being his spiritual life insurance. He says it this way: "Volumes of my journal are the Spiritual Life Insurance Policy I maintain fro my posterity. Journals are an avenue whereby love and caring is evident beyond the grave."

James is frustrated with his computer and his phone today and with technology in general. I tried to help him get more storage on his phone. 

I paid bills today and signed up for Starlink internet with a $100 deposit. I got a notice that it might be over a year before we actually get hooked up with a satellite because they are so busy right now.

James went to town this afternoon and got horse feed and spent over $60 on vitamins. Necessary items but budget depleting.

I stayed home and swept, mopped, dusted, and cleaned up and organized the pantry. 

It either rained or snowed today, I'm not sure which. I think it was snow but it didn't stick on the ground because it was so wet.

I ran off and started reading a talk by Marion G. Romney from 1971, "The Gate to Heaven." I think it should be a gospel classic. President Romney was not a favorite speaker because he was a little dry but if you actually go in and read his talks, they are filled with what Elder Scott calls "packets of light."

I love the smile on August's face

Taylor Ray and her dog

I love the windows with the wreaths

and the lights!

Thur, Mar 3rd, 2022: Dallas Texas Temple, Rootstech, Inklings, Tanner's card, TWP, Katherine McPhee movie, J's tech prblms

 

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple 

Dedicated: 19 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

2 Nephi 4:30

 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God and the rock of my salvation.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:1-13

"Come Follow Me"

Gen 31; 32-33 The Savior can help us overcome discord in our families.

OctGenCon

"The Savior's Abiding Compassion"

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 Appearances can be deceptive and oftentimes do not represent an accurate measurement of someone's behavior. Unlike you and me, Christ is capable of clearly seeing all facets of a given situation. Even knowing all our weaknesses as He does, the Savior does not rashly condemn us but continues to work with us compassionately over time, helping us to remove the beam from our eye. Jesus always looks on the heart and not on the appearance. He Himself declared, "judge not according to the appearance."

Inklings

"Simply Beautiful, Beautifully Simple", Matt 22:36-40, Alma 18; 20:26

Diana Rico sent $500 early this morning. A nice way to start the day!

 Rootstech starts today on Family Search. Also, the 1950 census is now ready to be used. Pretty exciting. It's the first census James and I were both on. 

I listened and watched "Teaching with Power" this morning. I also read this in Thomas's book, "Of Journals and Blessings: An Investment with Priceless Returns.

"I begin each day understanding I will be recording activities and thoughts in a volume of my journal after the day ends. I subconsciously realize my choices are influenced by the knowledge that I maintain an accurate record of daily dealings. In essence, reporting my life to a blank page and subjecting the report to scrutiny and analysis before, during and after writing, encourages righteous living." 

Tina Allen agreed to teach Relief Society on March 13th. The talk we are basing the lesson on is one by Vi Sikahema and Tina made the comment that she and Steve went to high school with him although she didn't know him. 

I listened to Inklings today. Emily and her friend talks a lot about the Ukraine and people who are helping and how we can help. I have determined that I am going to increase my humanitarian donations. 

In our study today we talked about Ammon from the Book of Mormon. What did Ammon lead with when he served the king? He began by serving. He also did everything he could to win hearts and become a friend to the king. He fed the horses and prepared the chariots without being asked because he knew it needed to be done. He always asked the king, what wilt thee that I should do? This is how we need to do missionary work. 

Another thing Emily said today: "Ukraine may be the victim, but the entire world is affected by Russia's attack." 

I helped James with his phone today. Everytime he tried to send a picture or message it would not send.  We finally figured out he did not have enough storage so we bought him more storage and everything was fine.  

Here are some notes on Jeffrey R. Holland's talk, "The Ministry of Reconciliation." 

"If you love god, love your neighbor. Live together in love. Reconciliation brings tranquility to the soul.

Jesus: "Cease to contend one with another."

I ask us to be peacemakers, to love peace.

The goal of a disciple is not to be different from everyone else, but to be more like the Master.

 I watched the only Hallmark movie Katherine McPhee made, "In my Dreams." I liked it.

The Wilhelm family

Charlie and Lightning McQueen

Wed, Mar 2nd, 2022: Manila Philippines Temple, J pour, Sandra's text,Trina, Ro, Lola, Addy & Ruby hugs, Lunch at OG Stacy, Armando's, Sals, Costco,

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

1 Nephi 15:15

And then at that day will they not rejoice and give praise unto their everlasting God, their rock and their salvation? Yea, at that day, will they not receive the strength and nourishment from the true vine? Yea, will they not come unto the true fold of God?

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 24:1-32

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 29:31-35; 30:1-24 The Lord remembers me in my trials. Genesis 30

OctGenCon

"Come Unto Christ And Don't Come Alone"

Bonnie H. Cordon

Young Women General President

Remember, the best way for you to improve the world is to prepare the world for Christ by inviting all to follow Him.

Liahona

"The Lord Remembers Me in My Trials"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I pray that each of us will draw close to our Heaven Father and Savior through our personal adversity.

 God isn't just interested in what we do or don't do, but what we are becoming.

Act as He acts, not simply be acted upon

Righteous in all circumstances

Heavenly Father will sustain us if we turn to Him

With Divine help, consolation replaces pain, peace replaces turmoil, hope replaces sorrow. 

God will convert trial into blessing

Heavenly Father does not promise to spare us conflict, but to console us and consecrate use in our afflictions.

Endurance and perseverance overcome adversity.

Let generosity replace animosity. Reflection can bring perception. 

MRBallard: ...waiting upon the Lord implies action. Hope and time forming the elixir of experience.

I am amazed how well I slept in Rowan's bed. I did not wake up during the night to go to the bathroom. That never happens at home. I had family prayer with James before he left for the concrete pour in Casa Grande. 

I texted Sandra this morning to wish her a happy birthday. Here is what she said in return:

Thank you and we ate that delicious cake last night the kids were afraid of it getting stale.

Me: That is funny!

I got to hug Addy and Ruby before they went to school. I did not see Darrel this morning. I imagine he was at work. Rowan stayed home from school to help his mom setup her "store" at the Desert Market Place. Lola stayed home too. It was a half day. Addy forgot her running clothes so Trina had to take them to her. I remember those days. 

I had scriptures and prayers this morning. I thought about walking over to Safeway but I worked on my blog instead. 

James got home around 11:45 and he was very hungry because he did not have breakfast. He packed the car and then we gave Rowan a hug. Rowan called Lola down so we could give her a hug. Rowan has always been a great hugger. 

We met Stacy at Olive Garden for lunch. She is taking both of us to lunch for our birthdays. Stacy has lost about 15 lbs. and all she ordered was salad.  James ordered off the lunch menu and so did I. He ordered the fettuccini alfredo with chicken and I ordered the fettuccini alfredo without chicken. I loved mine and I think James loved his. The portion was just the right size, not too big and not too small. All of us shared the salad and breadsticks. Stacy asked that the onions be on the side of the salad and she didn't eat the olives either. 

We had a nice visit. Stacy needs to have the stomach surgery that James had but she is hesitant because James had a difficult time recovering. Here was how the conversation went: 

Stacy: What was the stomach surgery dad had?

Me(after asking James:) He had one for a hiatel hernia and he had a stomach valve put in to prevent acid reflex which was causing him to have laryngitis all the time. 

Stacy: It was a bad recovery, right? I have the same issues. The valve on my stomach won't close. Food always tastes sour. I also have a hernia. I'm scared to have that surgery though because I remember dad's recovery was bad.

Me: The recovery was not bad except for the following: he had to have a liquid diet then soft food for several weeks. When he started eating bread and meat it was hard to swallow and painful. The only kind of bread he could eat was toast.

Stacy: Yea, that part sounds awful.

Me: But it doesn't last forever. If you don't do anything what you have now will only get worse.

Stacy: Yea I know. Thx.

Me: I am so sorry you have that.

Stacy: Thx. I'm a hot mess

Me: You are a cute hot mess.

Really, you are NOT a hot mess!

Stacy: Ha, ha, thank you

After lunch we went to Armando's house to drop off a check to his wife Susan. They still have plastic on their roof. Next we went to Sal's to get some grapefruit. 

I have a $75 rewards coupon to spend at Costco so that was our next stop. James went to the hearing aid department while I shopped.  Here is what I bought: toilet paper, paper towels, walnuts, two bottles of pomegranate juice and some green olives for James. My total was $75.29. The certificate was $75.07. I had to dig 22 cents out of my chain purse. I was quite pleased with myself to have come so close to my budget.

We went home through the canyon and I didn't even mind. When we got home and got everything put away, we began to walk. James has a lot more steps that I do but he walked with me so he could listen to the book. It was 65 degrees here in Vernon today and about 85 degrees in the valley which is too hot for this time of year. 

I have been the second counselor in Relief Society for either four or five years. I looked it up in my journal and while I was looking I found this entry on Easter Sunday, April 16th, 2017:

"Sacrament meeting was wonderful today. We heard three testimonies, some special musical numbers, and the featured speaker was Brother Thomas Grapp. He is amazing and conveys the Spirit better than anyone I know. He is just so full of love and happiness and joy and he radiates it. It was wonderful to have him speak on Easter Sunday."

This is one of the reason I keep a journal, so I can go back and relive earlier experiences. I was called to the Relief Society Presidency in April 2018, so it will be four years this April.

Trina's inventory

I love this photo of James in

high school. 120 lbs!

A gift for Trina from one of the sisters in her

ministering circle.

Lola wishing the pool was filled with water

 

  

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