Sat, Mar 19th, 2022: Orlando Florida Temple, Brian to be ordained a high priest, Scarlett's Tea Party, Power of Everyday Missionaries, cake tools, James's trip to town, indexing, movies, Mark Huish

 

Orlando, Florida

46th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Oct 1994

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ, Rock

1 Corinthains 10:4

 And did all drink the same spiritual drinks: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 3:1-14

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 50; Genesis JST 50:24-38; Jacob and Joseph both buried.

OctGenCon

"To Be A Follower Of Christ"

Elder Alfred Kyungu

Of the Seventy

"Through His infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you. It is usually easy to forgive one who sincerely and humbly seeks your forgiveness. But the Savior will grant you the ability to forgive anyone who has mistreated you in any way". -Russell M. Nelson

"Hold Up Your Light"

Elder Marcus B. Nash

Sister Tiffany Myloan accepted the invitation to support the missionaries despite very heavy personal struggles, including questions about her faith. She recently told me that supporting the missionaries has renewed her faith and sense of well-being. In her words, "Missionary work is so healing."

Joy. Hope. Sustaining power from God. Protection from temptation. Healing. All of these - and more (including forgiveness of sins) -distill upon us from heaven as we share the gospel.

Liahona

The Lord Was With Joseph

Elder Kelly R. Johnson

James got a call from Brian this morning asking him if he could ordain him as a High Priest. He wasn't sure if it would be tomorrow or next Sunday. He called back later and said it would be next Sunday. Brian has a new calling which I am not able to divulge at this time. 

I listened to some news reports on YouTube regarding the war in the Ukraine. I want to know the why but really war never makes sense to me.

I read from "The Power of Everyday Missionaries." I am loving this book although I have read it before I needed to be reminded of how important missionary work is and how it should be done. 

I took the plunge and ordered three cake tools off Courtney's website. I am making one of her cakes next week for our Relief Society celebration and I want the tools to make the cake look like one of hers. I just hope they come in time.

James went in to town today to get some horse feed and vitamins. He asked me if I wanted anything and I said a cherry dilly bar. He said when he went to Dairy Queen it was very busy so he did another errand first and when he went back he totally forgot to go to Dairy Queen. He offered to go back to town but of course I said no. He actually did me a favor by forgetting. 

I did some indexing reviews and watched a Hallmark favorite, "Summer Villa" starring Hilary Burton and Victor Webster. I also took 12,000 steps and did two blogposts. Another Hallmark favorite with James starring Alicia Witt, "Backyard Wedding."

James saw Mark Huish and his wife on Relative Race. I told her Mark was LeeAnn Huish's brother.

 

Fri, March 18th, 2022: San Diego California Temple, Blogposts and steps, Sheri and gang going to Italy, Loren Dalton, Tax infor typed, Right foot swells on bottom

 

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Apr 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

2 Nephi 18:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:17-35

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 49; Genesis JST 50:24-25; 24-38 "A Seer shall the Lord my God raise up"

OctGenCon

"Deepening Our Conversion To Jesus Christ"

Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela

Of the Seventy

Nephi encourages us to delight in the words of Christ, because the words of Christ will tell us all the things we need to do (see 2 Nephi 32:3).

"Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness"

Bradley R. Wilcox

Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency

Some mistakenly receive the message that God is waiting to help until after we repent. God's message is that He will help us as we repent. His grace is available to us "no matter where we are in the path of obedience." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said: "God does not need people who are flawless. He seeks those who will offer their 'heart and a willing mind' (D&C 64:34), and He will make them 'perfect in Christ' (Moroni 10:32-33)."

I felt good about today. I was able to do two blogposts and walk 12,000 steps by 4 p.m. 

Sheri called me today to see how I was doing and then told me that She, Alex, Ben, Max, Evan, Joe, and Michael were going to Italy in June. I am happy for them but I myself am happy to stay home. I guess I am too old to travel.

I listened to a YouTube broadcast this morning by a Brother Loren Dalton. It was about receiving revelation and was so good. Brother Dalton talks about acting on the first prompting. He says chances are the second prompting will be from Satan. He made it sound so easy.

James worked upstairs finishing up our income taxes. He brought down a couple of pages for me to type. He sent it off and we signed some papers and I guess our taxes are turned in to the accountant.

I watched an old movie on UpTv called, "The Seven Year Hitch." This evening while relaxing my right foot began to swell. It was swollen underneath on the bottom of my foot and I could hardly walk. It was a good thing it was time to go to bed. Why is this happening to me. Thank goodness it's only a few more days until my infusion.

Thur, Mar 17th, 2022: Toronto, Ontario Temple, Prepare dinner for missionaries, Elder Goodwin & Elder Johnson, Discuss Tanna, "Power of Everyday Missionaries"

 

Ontario, Canada 

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

OctGenCon

"Is There No Balm in Gilead?"

Elder Brent H. Nielson

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

The Savior's Atonement, which makes available both His redeeming and His enabling power, is the ultimate blessing that Jesus Christ offers to all. As we repent with full purpose of heart, the Savior cleanses us from sin. As we cheerfully submit our will to the Father, even in the most difficult of circumstances, the Savior will lift our burdens and make them light.

Liahona

"Turning to God and to Our Families"

Inklings

Live with Emily & Vanessa

I love the book, "The Power of Everyday Missionaries." So many good ideas!

Adam texted me today and asked if he, Kaitlin, Chris, and Kyle could come on April 13th-16th. I told him that would be fine and put it on my calendar.

I spent most of the day preparing for dinner tonight for the missionaries. The first thing I did was bake a chocolate cake and soften the mint chocolate chip ice cream and put it in a cake pan. I put the two cake pans with cake and the ice cream pan into the freezer. I started the chili and then made some cornbread. 

The thing that took the longest was making frosting into the heavy whipping cream. It took so long that I had to call James in for help. He made the salad, and set the table. We were ready for Elder Goodwin and Elder Johnson when they came at 6 p.m. Elder Johnson is brand new here in Vernon. Elder Richards was transferred to north Scottsdale. Elder Johnson is from Magnolia, Texas and Elder Goodwin is from Inkam, Idaho.

We had a nice dinner and then I brought in the green cake for dessert.

I can't believe that I forgot to take a picture of these two nice looking, spiritual young men. Elder Goodwin shared a scripture and we had a nice discussion. Before leaving we gave the elders the rest of the Oreo cookies. 

Elder Goodwin had invited Tanna but she had her son and she said he was sick. We encouraged them to keep trying to invite her.

James jumped right in and did the dishes and put them away. I helped a little and then did some walking. We watched "A Honeymoon to Remember" before going to bed.

The beginning of chili

Wolves in Vernon

Wed, Mar 16th, 2022: Las Vegas Temple, James income taxes, town by myself, PO "Gospel Symbolism", Pres. Mtg, Ward Mission Plan, Michael Wilcox, "The Presence of Love"

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 1:1-19

"Come Follow Me" 

Genesis 46-47; Genesis 45; 50:15-21 "Forgiveness brings healing."

OctGenCon

"I Pray He'll Use Us"

Sharon Eubank

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Speaking of the Church's humanitarian efforts, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once remarked: "Prayers are answered ... most of the time ... by God using other people. Well, I pray that He'll use us. I pray that we'll be the answer to people's prayers."

Brothers and sisters, through your ministry, donations, time, and love, you have been the answer to so many prayers. And yet there is so much more to do. As baptized members of the Church, we are under covenant to care for those in need. Our individual efforts don't necessarily require money or faraway locations; they do require the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a willing heart to say to the Lord, "Here am I; send me."

Liahona

"What is Reverence, Really"

Destiny Yarbo

As we expand our understanding of reverence, we increase our ability to be reverent in even the most unlikely situations. 

"...worship combines love and reverence in a state of devotion that draws our spirits closer to God." - Dallin H. Oaks

I got up at 5 a.m. this morning, right on schedule. First things first, I filled out my schedule for the day, prayed, and studied my scriptures by myself and then with James. It's the best way to start the day.

James is still working on income taxes. He said he needed to finish and couldn't go to town with me this afternoon, so I went by myself. I picked up a book I ordered at the post office, "Gospel Symbolism" by Joseph Fielding McConkie. 

The first thing I did when I got to Show Low was wash my car because I couldn't stand the bugs on the front. Most of them came off, but not all so I bought a bug brush while I did my shopping. We are feeding the missionaries tomorrow night so I bought what I would need to make chili, cornbread, salad, and ice cream cake. Groceries are so high it is scary to go shopping. 

I got home at 4:30 after leaving at 1:30. I told James I would be gone three hours, and I was. I put away the groceries, laid down for 20 minutes and then got up and went to a RS presidency meeting at 6. James had a meeting too but we took different cars so he could stop and see the Snyders on the way home. He taught Brother Snyder how to index. Brother Snyder said they were going through to get their endowments on April 7th and would like for us to be there. 

Kerri forgot about our meeting. We missed her. The main reason for meeting was an assignment from the bishop from ward council. He wants us to go over mission plans submitted by other wards in our stake and come up with one for our ward. We had a good discussion and come up with some good ideas. We wanted to keep it simple yet meaningful. I told Maxine and Tamara I would like to go home and look at Brother Clayton Christensen's book, "The Power of Everyday Missionaries." We don't have to turn in our ideas until March 27th. 

I got home before James did and finished walking and watched the rest of the movie, "The Presence of Love." I really liked it. I hope Sheri gets to watch it at Kim's. She saw the previews and was interested. I also listened to "Follow Him" today and Michael Wilcox was the guest speaker. He shared a story about forgiveness in his life regarding his dad. It was really good.

Tue, Mar 15th, 2022: Portland Oregon Temple, book business, income taxes, Temple with Ruth and James, Eva's, Woods's, Pete the Crow stories

 

 Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

Acts 4:11

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 33:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 45:1-8; 50:20 "God sent me before you to preserve you." 

Genesis 44-45.

OctGenCon

"Lovest Thou Me More Than These?"

President M. Russell Ballard

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Last October, President Russell M. Nelson taught us the importance of putting Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ first in our lives. President Nelson taught us that one meaning of the word Israel is "let God prevail."

He asked each of us these questions: "Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?" We must always remember that our true happiness depends upon our relationship with God, with Jesus Christ, and with each other.

Liahona

"You Put Your Whole Self In"

Senior Missionary Service

Our mission put a shine on our Golden Years. If you want to find lasting happiness go out and help someone along the way.

Up at 5:30 this morning. We have something everyday this week until Friday. Today we are going to the temple with Ruth Gale. James and I both felt lousy this morning and took naps before noon. I am behind on my blog and need to do two posts a day or I will never catch up. Because of technical difficulties my blog posts are taking much longer than they should. I did manage to mop the kitchen floor.

James did some indexing and worked on income taxes. He asked me if I made any money in books last year. I told him I didn't think I did but when I looked it up I had taken in over $1,660.00. I know it was a lost but I hadn't bought any books since October so the loss didn't show for this year.

We left for the temple at 2:30 for the 3:30 session. Ruth was already in the endowment room when we walked in. There were 8 sisters and 4 brothers. Something exciting happened when we walked in the temple doors that I forgot to mention. I did not have a mask on but the brother at the recommend desk said they were optional. He said this was the first session that they had received word that masks were optional. It was so refreshing to see everyone without their masks.

After our session we went outside and showed Ruth where Green's Peak was so she could get an idea where Vernon was. She said she was surprised and thought it was in the opposite direction. 

We had dinner at Eva's. Ruth had a taco salad, James had a green burro with green sauce and I had a green burro with red sauce. We saw Chuck and Pam Wood and talked with them for a few minutes and I introduced Pam to Ruth. James told Ruth stories about Pete the Crow and about have an egg farm. Ruth seemed to enjoy the stories. Right now in her ward she is teaching Primary. She also has a FHE group that meets at her house every week. We said our goodbyes and headed back to Vernon.

I watched the movie, "The Presence of Love" starring Eloise Mumford. James watched most of it with me. 

I got a new book today called, "Antifragile."

Somewhere in the White Mountains

of Arizona

Lending a helping body
 

 

Mon, Mar 14th, 2022: Frankfurt Germany Temple, Johnny Wilhelm's 10th bday, CFM at the Crane's forgiveness, Dave Miner's mother,

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Rock

2 Nephi 8:1

Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence ye are digged.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 32:1-9

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 42-50 "God Meant It Unto Good"

OctGenCon

"Simply Beautiful - Beautifully Simple"  

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

May we keep the gospel simple as we take upon us our divinely appointed responsibilities: To live the gospel of Jesus Christ so as to be sensitive to promptings, as did Jens in Denmark. To care for those in need, as demonstrated by the members of the Cucuta stake in Colombia in providing shelter to orphaned ward members. To invite all to receive the gospel, in the way that Cleiton from the African island country of Cape Verde did with his friends and family. Finally, to unite families for eternity, as exemplified by Sister Lydia from Ukraine through her own temple ordinances, family history efforts, and service in the temple. Doing so will surely bring joy and peace.

Inklings

A Sequential House of Order

Vai Sikahema

Luke 5:1-11

A slow day for me because I had very little energy and I got very little accomplished. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the 50's but what does it matter if you don't go outside. 

I worked on my blog, fixed lunch, and napped. I was going to go to town but decided not to. Today is Johnny Wilhelm's 10th birthday. James took him a card with a little cash in it. Johnny wasn't home when James took the card but he called later and thanked both of us.

I listened to Talking Scripture today where they told a story about Elder Uchtdorf that I had never heard before. It was about an ugly iron bicycle he had as a young boy that was difficult to pedal. Later in life when he was having a physical examination before going in to the military, the doctor asked him how he had overcome the lung disease he had. Dieter did not know what the doctor was talking about. He had a lung disease he knew nothing about and the only way he figured he could have overcome it was by riding his bicycle all over the city where he lived. The bicycle had helped him to overcome a lung disease that would have kept him from becoming an airplane pilot. 

James spent the day working on our income taxes. This evening we attended "Come Follow Me" at the Crane's. The Crane's, the Peeler's, Pierce, who came late, were the others who were there. Barbara Bartels had a friend in town so she wasn't with us. Owen, Chuck, and Kathy, and James all told stories about people they had forgiven in their lives. James actually told one about me. We had cake for refreshments. James walked home. We both walked over but I didn't want to walk home so the Peeler's gave me a ride. 

Dave Miner's mother passed away today after a long battle with cancer. Dave was one of James's counselor's when he was the bishop.

 

 

 

Sun, Mar 13th, 2022: Denver Colorado Temple, Westbrooks, Relief Society, Grombach's, Charlie , Scarlett

   

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Rock

Isaiah 51:1

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31: 1-21

"Come Follow Me"

Genesis 42-43; Review for the week

OctGenCon

"Favored Of The Lord In All My Days"

Elder Moises Villanueva

Of the Seventy

Jesus Christ showed us that during times of trial and adversity, we can recognize the difficulties of others. Moved with compassion, we can reach out and lift them. And as we do so, we are also lifted by our Christlike service. President Gordon B. Hinckley stated: "The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired."

Liahona

"Karla Knapp Oswald, Idaho, USA"

"Seeing the Face of God in Our Enemies"

This morning before church James was indexing. I went in and said to him: " Today we have a lesson entitled, "A House of Sequential Order." Don't you think it would be a good idea if we prayed and read our scriptures before we did anything else? A few minutes later he came in for prayer and scriptures.

Rosa and Dave Westbrook were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. Rosa is from Mexico and it is difficult to understand her although she does bring a sweet spirit with her. She talked about the conference address "Faith to Act and Become." Here are some notes on took:

"Through prayer, scripture study, and action, we can unlock the blessings of heaven and become better followers of our Savior Jesus Christ. Ask you Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ for help. We need to ask in faith to know the will of the Lord and accept that the Lord knows what is better for us. Acting is another essential key to becoming a better disciple of Jesus Christ. "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do."

Study is important. Jesus said to his disciples regarding the name of the Church: "Have they not read the scriptures?" "Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."

Dave Westbrook - I learn something from everybody that comes to this pulpit. Rosa's a great example to me about fulfilling callings. President Nelson's closing remarks at the last general conference was entitled, "Make Time for the Lord." There is a lot of deception in the world today. D&C 89 The Lord says, "I have warned and forewarned you." We must rely on the Spirit to know the truth. Brother Westbrook shared stories if when he served in the war in Vietnam. He spoke of the fiery darts of the adversary and how he literally knew what these were in the war. We must have a plan when temptation comes. Peace comes through Jesus Christ, as President Nelson says. There are 11,000 Church members in Ukraine and 23,000 in Russia who are huddling together in faith with their food storage. 

Before Relief Society started Sister Barbara Sayer got up and began crying saying that she was Ukranian. Kathy Crane got up and stood by her. When she was finished Tina Allen got up to teach the lesson, "A House of Sequential Order." As I sat in the front row by Catherine Halcomb and Susan Hubble I looked out the window and saw a horse rolling in the dirt and it reminded me of Luna. 

After Relief Society we had a meeting with the activities committee. Our Relief Society birthday party will be on March 26th. Cheryl Sedig is the head of committee and Jana Grombach is a committee member. They seem to have everything in control. I signed up to make a cake for the meeting. 

At home James made us some lunch. I wasn't feeling very well, I have a scratchy throat and cough. I took a nap and then got up and made some chocolate chip cookies. 

The Grombach's came over at 4 p.m. for the first Temple prep lesson. The lesson is on the Plan of Salvation and we had a great discussion. The lesson lasted about two hours because there were lots of discussion. Willie has only been a member a little less than a year. He is a big guy with a beard but he has a sweetness and humility about him. He is so interested in learning about the gospel. Janna grew up in the gospel but was inactive for years. They have both been married before but feel like they were meant to be together.

I watched "When Calls the Heart" this evening while James was indexing. I am such a rebel.

Charlie looks so grown up!

For our RS activity