Sun, Mar 27th, 2022: Anchorage Alaska Temple,Charlie & Scarlett, Brian & Kim's ward, Brian's ordination & setting apart, lunch, goodbye, back home with Max,

 

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Psalms 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Book of Mormon

Jacob 7:1-20

"Come Follow Me"

Review Exodus 1-6 "I have remembered my covenant.

OctGenCon

"Giving Holiness To The Lord"

Bishop L. Todd Budge

Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

Dear brothers and sisters, as we live for God and others by giving of our means, our time, and yes, even of ourselves, we are leaving the world a little greener, leaving God's children a little happier, and in the process, becoming a little holier.

"Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God"

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Of the Seventy

President Russell M. Nelson has taught:

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

"When the focus of our lives is on God's plan of salvation . . . and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening - or not happening - in our lives."

I got up at 4:15 this morning. We are going to the valley this morning for Brian's ordination and their church starts at 9. We leave at 5:24 after prayer. Max is home alone.

James goes the Payson way for me even though he says it's longer and we might not make it in time. (I know that we will.)

We listen to the Book of Mormon and several conference talks on the way down to the valley. We arrived at Kim and Brian's ward at 8:46. We sat way in the back because I know that is where Kim and Brian sit. Sheri, Evan, and Ben come in and then a little later Ian comes. Kim and Brian are members of the McQueen 1st Ward in the Chandler, Arizona Stake. 

Today was a mission farewell for a young man named Tamil Palomino. He will be serving his mission in Paraguay. What is the purpose of life? To learn and grow closer to the Lord. His mountain bike accident was a wake up call, a call to action. There is change in this world but there is One who does not change. Prayer is powerful. The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about love and peace. The first two great commandments. Life is about becoming better people than we were before. "When I die, I hope my life is like the Book of Mormon, a testimony of Jesus Christ. That's what I want to be remembered for."

Profession cello player in their ward played "Come, Come Ye Saints"

Matt Lewis was the last speaker. He is a former bishop of this ward and their former stake president. His family is from Ramah, New Mexico. Matt grew up in Taylor, Arizona. He talked about conversion to Jesus Christ. Wickedness never was happiness. President Nelson's focus on personal revelation. Young men, will you prepare to serve a mission? If you don't have a current temple recommend, please get one.

After sacrament meeting was over we all went in to a room off the hallway and waited for the two counselors from the stake presidency to come.  James ordained Brian to the office of a high priest. President Willis from the stake presidency set apart Brother Haymond as the first counselor and then he waited a few minutes for the other counselor in the stake presidency to come in. When he didn't come in, President Willis, a young guy who is very articulate and seems very spiritual set apart Brian as the second counselor. Ian and Ben and James were all in the circle. It was a special occasion and we are very happy for Brian and proud of him. 

As Brian sat in sacrament meeting on March 13th, He looked at Brother Calbert on the stand and thought; Brother Calbert has been in the bishopric for a long time, over five years. I wonder if he will be released soon. A little while later Brian got a text from the stake presidency asking him if he would come in to the stake president's office later in the day. He knew then that his question was answered. Brother Calbert was going to be released and he was going to be called.

We went home with Kim and Brian and Kim fixed us some sandwiches for lunch. Brian had to go back to the church for a meeting. We had a choice of ham or turkey and a choice of Swiss cheese or provolone for our sandwiches. We also had celery, chips and for dessert Martha Stewart bars or mint chocolate chip brownies. I also had a grape Welch. We changed our clothes and headed home. I texted Sheri to tell her we wouldn't be coming over because Kim had fed us well and we were on our way home. We listened to our book on the way home. We stopped in Payson for gas. I wish we could have gone all the way without having to buy gas but that just wasn't possible. 

Max had out his dumbells and was lifting them and watching TV when we got home. I fixed pot stickers for dinner. I invited Max but he said he was going to have fish and veggies. 

I worked on my blog before going to bed.

This picture reminds me of Molly

 

 

Sat, Mar 26th, 2022: Monticello Utah Temple, Max here, RS Luncheon and RS Bingo, Nap, Max's 2 hour Razr ride, Ty eating frog legs, Aunt Gene & her 94th cake, Charlie

 

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

2 Samuel 22:2

And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

Book of Mormon

Jacob 6:1-13

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 6 & Book of Mormon Central

OctGenCon

"Trust Again"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Brothers and sisters, would you please consider Jesus is asking us to open our hearts, our understanding, compassion, and humility, and to see ourselves in both roles? (Prodigal son & brother)

Like the first son or daughter, we may wander and later seek to return home. God waits to welcome us.

And like the other son or daughter, we are gently entreated by God to rejoice together as we each come home to Him. He invites us to make our congregations, quorums, classes, and activities open, authentic, safe - home for each other. With kindness, understanding, and mutual respect, we each humbly seek the Lord and pray and welcome His restored gospel blessings for all.

Sheri texted me at 5:30 this morning and said that Max had already left to come up here. She is worried about his car making it up the hills and so she asked if I would let her know when he gets there. About thirty minutes later Max texted me and said he was on his way.

Sheri has a lot on her plate right now. She is allowing one of her co-workers, Kylee, who is 25, move in with them. Ben is giving up his bedroom and is sleeping on the couch downstairs. Kylee comes from a troubled background and has been living with her boyfriend but they recently had a falling out and Kylee needed a place to live. Nancy offered but Kylee turned her down. Kylee is very attached to Sheri right now, although Sheri's house is full they are making room for her.

Max arrived her after James dropped me off at the church around 10 a.m. I had James drop me off so I could carry the cake while he drove. Kerri, Janna, and Sally and Cheryl Sedig, and I all set up for the luncheon. I'm wondering if Kerri and Janna set up the tables. I am not sure. 

This activity was a smashing success! Here is a list of sisters who attended: Kerri Halcomb, Tamara Applegate, Maxine Thompson, Cheryl Sedig, Janna Grombach, Ellen Kostusiak, Catherine Halcomb, Mikki (Mary) Gilbert, Paula Johnson, Barbara Bartels, Cress Miller, me, Linda Finnell, Amy Reynolds, Ruth Wallace and a friend, Pat Tedder, Rosie Lauritzen, Donna Peeler, Kathy Crane, Rebecca McCamy, Sue Young, Marci Westbrook, Anne Johnson, Cyndi Pronger, Donna Beckham, Alicia Hunsaker, Stefani Hunsaker, Heather Bowen, Sally Sedig, Millie Scott, Judy Hunter, Lorraine Vaught, and Hailey Hunsaker. The food was good and one of the most popular dishes was the spinach dip that Cress Miller brought.

Besides my cake, the other desserts were an applesauce, raisin, walnut cake, banana nut bread, and a sampler cheesecake with different flavors. We also had soup and rolls. Judy Hunter brought some of her delicious homemade rolls. 

After lunch we played Relief Society Bingo. We played several rounds and every time someone won they had to come up and give answers to each question, such as: Your first job - Kathy Crane said a singing waitress at Disneyland. Your favorite restaurant - Donna Peeler said Olive Garden. Rosie Lauritzen's first job was a miner in San Manuel. She had the miner's hat and everything. I just can't picture it, but how fun to learn this about Rosie. Ruth Wallace's dream vacation was going to Russia with her daughter, but since the war started they have forgotten those plans.

The centerpieces were jars filled with buttons with paper flower bouquets. Each flower in the bouquet had something written on it. Whoever has the flower answers the question. Mine was favorite summer activity? Sitting on the deck and watching it rain or taking pictures of the sunflowers and spending time with my grandkids. 

These were the people at my table: Dave & Ellen Kostusiak, Catherine Halcomb, Mary Gilbert, Paula Johnson, Barbara Bartels, and Cress Miller. Paula loves the color teal and the strangest thing she has ever eaten was caviar and she hated it, Catherine loves pink, Ellen loves ketchup and puts it on everything, including Thanksgiving turkey. Mary loves to experiment with her cooking and belongs to the Silver Sneakers group here in Vernon.

Cress loves to cook and she has a new grandbaby. Barbara has three children and 10 grandchildren. It was fun to get to know these sisters a little better. Paula also said that Mother Nature is bi-polar. One day it's 70 degrees and the next day it's snowing.

I talked to Rebecca McCamy and asked if she would be willing to teach RS on the 10th of April. She said she would love to if her schedule would allow it. She is a nurse in the maternity ward at the Show Low hospital. 

James came to pick me up. He said he had on his slippers because the neuropathy in his feet is really hurting. Before leaving Cress had to get a piece of my cake that was left. 

When I got home Max was cooking a ham and cheese sandwich and James had put some shrimp in the oven before he left and it was ready for him to eat. I went immediately into the bedroom, after saying hello to Max, and took a nap. James and I also read a chapter from "Bargaining for the Barrister." My nap was quite long. 

Max left around 5 p.m. on the Razr. He told James he was going to ride up to Green's Peak. It was overcast and a little cool and all he had on was his short sleeves. He was gone over two hours and said he got a little cold, but he got some good sunset pictures. I got some pictures of the sunset too.

This evening I finished my book, "The Valet's Secret."

James and Max had dinner together. They had tilapia and veggies. Max brought a bag of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. He is eating much healthier!

I watched the newest Hallmark movie, "A Second Chance at Love."

 

Mary Gilbert and Paula Johnson

Sheri and Kim visited their grandmother today.

She is making a quilt and wants them to learn

how to quilt so she did a demonstration:

Lois is 94 years old.

Charlie, 'doin' her thing'

I wish I could squat and bend like she does!

The missionary on the left is Ty Applegate from our ward.

He is serving in Florida and this picture shows him and his

companion eating frog legs. Ty liked them, hence the thumbs up,

but the companion did not. 

And wonder if he would be interested in

meeting Addy when he gets off his mission.

Aunt Gene's birthday is on the 28th when she will

be 94. I am going to see her on the 29th.

 

Fri, Mar 25th, 2022: Preston England Temple, Women in Moses's life, Strawberry, Nutella, Chocolate Cake, Temple Prep with Willie & Janna

 

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Exodus 15:2

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 6:3 Who is Jehovah? Exodus 5

OctGenCon

"The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation"

President Russell M. Nelson

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

Ponder these three truths:

1. The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again.

2. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israel is to bring the blessings of the temple to God's faithful children.

3. As we seek how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more insights. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation.

Liahona

"Adoption and Family History 

Everlasting Ties, Eternal Connections"

I indexed this morning and got counseling from the indexing pro from upstairs.  James knows all of the short cuts. 

I listened and watched "Teaching with Power" today. Brother Wilcox says that the journey of the Israelites from Egypt is like our journey through life. He begins his lesson by talking about the women who helped save Moses's life. 

Here are some other slides from Brother Wilcox's powerpoint presentation:

This afternoon I made the cake I am taking to the Relief Society activity tomorrow.  It is a chocolate cake with Nutella buttercream frosting and fresh strawberries. I used Courtney's recipe for the cake but I failed to put in extra flour for high altitude and all three layers sunk. I made a chocolate cake mix and used them instead. The Nutella buttercream was really good. I was still frosting the cake this evening when the Grombach's showed up for their temple prep class.

I finished frosting while James started the class. Here is the finished product.

I should have taken one picture with just 

the strawberries on top.

I can't get the cake in the frig so I leave it on the counter until James can help me put it in the frig in the garage. 

Tonight's lesson is on being worthy to go to the temple and what commandments we need to keep. We specifically discussed the law of chastity, the word of wisdom, and keeping the Sabbath day holy.   Janna doesn't want Willie to feel rushed or pressured. He says he doesn't. In the course of the conversation they said they were on a low-carb diet so I did not offer them the blueberry muffins I made. 

We schedule our next lesson for April 10th. After Janna and Willie left James did the dishes and then we walked together. James's weekly average steps is over 100,000. Mine fluctuate between 60-70,000 steps. It was after 10 when we went to bed.

Courtney's strawberry, Nutella

Chocolate cake

Thur, Mar 24th, 2022: Vernal Utah Temple, Ty's reason for going on a mission, Bro. Matthew's talk,Sis Naduld quote,Spiderman, James has CUC, Sue Hubble visit, Max's text

 

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Rock

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:49-69

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 4-6; The Lord's purposes will be fulfilled in His own time.

OctGenCon

"Personal Peace In Challenging Times"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." - Preach My Gospel

Inklings

Live with Emily

Liahona

"Lean On Me"

I love this quote by Sister Margaret D. Naduld given in General Conference, October 2000:

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith; we have enough greed; we need more goodness; we have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."

I got up at 6:30 this morning. I guess because I went to bed late last night. I wonder if I will ever see 5 a.m. again. Last night while talking to Tamara she shared with us why Ty decided to go on a mission. He admitted himself he was basically an atheist in high school. He started "hanging out" with the missionaries assigned to our ward and became good friends with them. As Ty's testimony grew and he was debating on whether to go on a mission, one of the elder's said to him: "There is a person out there that only you can reach." That sealed the deal for Ty and he decided he wanted to go. I love this story. 

I listened to a talk today be Brother Robert J. Matthews entitled, "Why a Savior is Necessary, and Why Only Jesus Christ Could Qualify."   This is the talk I have been looking for and I loved it. I want to share parts of it with my family as part of my Easter message to them. One of the things Brother Matthews said was that Jacob is the great doctrinal teacher in the Book of Mormon. He quoted 2 Nephi 9:6-9 which are my favorite scriptures to explain why we need a Savior and what would happen to us if we didn't have a Savior.

I asked James what he was doing to treat his internal bleeding and he said nothing right now. I encouraged him to call the doctor and to see what happened to his prescriptions, which he did.  When he called he found out that they had sent his prescriptions three times to Walmart instead of CVS. One of the prescriptions is for an antibiotic and the girl in the doctor's office said he needed to start taking them today!

I had an appointment with Sue Hubble who lives off Stanford Rd. I told him if he came with me I would go to town with him afterwards. He didn't want me to be rushed in my visit with Sue. He took the truck and went to town on his own. James had chronic ulcerative colitis, which sounds pretty serious to me.

My visit with Sue was awesome. She has had many trials in her life but she is a positive, upbeat person. She lived with an alcoholic husband who also had PTSD and was quite mean when he was drunk. She stayed with him for 42 years. Her son Scott joined the Church and Sue wanted to too but her husband wouldn't allow it. He passed away a couple of years ago and Sue was baptized by her son. 

Recently Sue's only daughter, Tabitha, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. My cousin Randy passed away from this very thing a couple of years ago. Sue and I visited for about an hour. She lives alone and I think she is a little lonely. I so enjoyed talking with her. I think we will become good friends. It was such a beautiful day today with the high around 70. Sue loves to garden and she is anxious to be outside working. She is taking Tabitha to go visit family in New Mexico this weekend so she won't be at our RS activity on Saturday.

On my way home from Sue's I saw Spiderman riding his bike around the Vernon park. This is the second time I've seen him. He always waves at me. 

We got money from Rico and from Rademeyer today so we can pay bills! James has been working upstairs the past few weeks. It is nice that the dining room table stays clean, but I miss him being down here with me. 

I texted Tanna to see if she was okay and to invite her to the activity on Saturday. She said she was fine and that she would love to come on Saturday but she has to work. 

I got a text from Max today saying he wanted to come up this weekend to take some pictures for his photography class. 

Swim lessons for Scarlett!

Fresh mint, chocolate chip cake

Marijuan dispensary in Vernon...I hope not.

The town lake that I love!

Sunset

Sweet Charlie!