Tue, Apr 26th, 2022: Nashville Tennessee Temple, Ipad restoration fails, cake, ministering interviews, Kacey's post & temple trip,

 

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Savior

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 24:1-11 My covenants show my willingness to obey God's law. Ex. 25:10-22; 26:33-34, 36-43; 28:1-4, 9-12, 29-30; 29:4-7, 42-46

AprGenCon

"Conversion Is Our Goal"

Mark L. Pace

Sunday School General President

There is no substitute for the time you spend in the scriptures, hearing the Holy Ghost speak directly to you.

Liahona

"Grappling with Unanswered Gospel Questions"

I got up at 5, my regular time while James slept in until 8. I listened to "Don't Miss This". Yesterday I listened to "Unshaken Saints" and "Follow Him."

James got paid for the concrete pour yesterday so I deposited the money in his account today. He also got $120 for his new windshield and I deposited that money in my account. 

I did two ministering interviews today. One with Barbara Bartels and the other with Pat Tedder. Barbara loves her partner who she says does all the work. Cress Miller is her partner. Pat fell and hurt her back. Her partner works so they haven't been out visiting together but Pat had visited 2 out of 3 of their sisters.

I still haven't heard from Tanna about Thursday night. The missionaries are coming for dinner and I invited her to come and then stay so they could teach her a lesson afterwards. 

I tried to restore my Ipad today. I had it plugged in to the restore mode but it coming leaving that mode and then the download would stop. I left it plugged in all night but it failed. It says the restoration takes 19 hours but I'm wondering if that's just because of my extremely slow internet. I really wish I could remember that password!

I listened to "Far Above Rubies" and "Lily of the Valley", the last one with James. James worked on drawings for the Peeler's cabinets today. He didn't finish.

Listened to "Book of Mormon Central."

Mon, Apr 25th, 2022: Tampico Mexico Temple, Trip to valley, Infusion, Lunch with Sheri, Sam's Club, Home, J pours concrete, visits his mom, windshield fixed

 

Tampico, Mexico

83rd operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Savior

1Timothy 4:10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of that that believe.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 16:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 24; 31-34 "My Presence Shall Go with Thee

Exodus 24

AprGenCon

"The Covenant Path: The Way to Eternal Life"

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran

Of the Seventy

The path to perfection is the covenant path, and Jesus Christ is the center of all ordinances and covenants.

"Valiant Discipleship in the Latter Days"

Elder Jorg Klebingat

Of the Seventy

Let us be confident, not apologetic, valiant, not timid, faithful, not fearful as we hold up the Lord's light in these last days.

Liahona

"To Live, Look to God and Trust in Him"

Inklings

"It's not about doing more. It's about doing what matters." 

Do What Mattereth Most

Becky Craven

Matthew 18:12-14

Luke 15:4-6

Up at 4:00 when James left. I walked five thousand steps before leaving at 7. I arrived at AARA at 10:30 for my 10:45 appointment. We still have to wear masks in their office. I forgot the paper Dr. Moffat gave me for bloodwork. I guess I will have to bring it next month. I lost four pounds this month. I was done before noon. Sheri and I are going to lunch but she doesn't get off until 1 so I went to Sam's Club to spend my $45.00 ecard. I didn't have much time so I just went in and grabbed a bag of walnuts, a bag of pistachio's, some powdered sugar and some green beans and checked out. I still have $4 to spend. I got back to Sheri's office right at one. She came out and we went to lunch in her car. I wanted to go to Cafe Rio so that's where we went. Both of us got a sweet pork taco and Sheri got some chips and queso dip. James came over from visiting with his mom in Tempe and joined us. I ordered him a chicken toastado with green sauce. He loved it. I went with Sheri back to her office at 2 to get my car and head for home. James is going to get a new windshield. 

I stopped in Payson at Culver's and got an Oreo mixer to help keep me awake the rest of the way home. I only went over the center line one time. It was around 5:30 when I got home. I had offered to feed Luna but James said I wouldn't know what to feed her so I waited for him to do it. James left the valley at 4 and got home around 8. He had a couple of stops to make. He told me that while he was at his mom's house Jon and Logan were there visiting from Idaho. Logan takes old cars and fixes them up and sells them. He made $4,000 on his last sale. 

I ate some shrimp for dinner and watched "When Calls the Heart." I also walked and got my 20,000 steps for the day before going to bed. I also did some indexing.

Part of James's concrete pour in Casa Grande.

Flowers at Lois's

More concrete

Sun, Apr 24th, 2022: Cochabamba Bolivia Temple, Sacrament meeting, RS and council, Tina's setting apart, CFM

 

Cochabamba, Bolivia

82nd operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31

"Come Follow Me"

 Review Exodus 18-20 "All That the Lord Hath Spoken We Will Do"

AprGenCon

"Divine Love in the Father's Plan"

President Dallin H. Oaks

The purpose of the doctrine and policies of this restored Church is to prepare God's children for salvation in the celestial kingdom and for exaltation in its highest degree.

Liahona

"Roll with It"

"Creating and Sharing God's Love through Art"

Up at 5:00. Indexed before going to church. Picked up Kathy Crane. She had to get her dogs in first. 

James and I sat behind the DeWitt's in sacrament meeting. James arranged a meeting with Collin after the block regarding ministering. I spoke with Wendy. They have 5 returned missionary bachelor's at their house. One of them is getting married and this was his bachelor party. We thought it was funny that they would come to Vernon to a friend's grandparents house for a bachelor party. She then said, "Well, Collin does have a new 85" screen TV." I told her she was probably going to have lots of company.

The Judd's are here today. Three of their boys passed the sacrament and Eugene gave the youth talk. We have missed having them here on a regular basis. 

Here is a quote from Eugene's talk: "Our captain is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is has created a lifeboat large enough to save us all."

The Klug's were asked by Pierce to speak today. Sister Klug had prepared her talk but at the last minute her sister was put in the hospital so she left to be with her. Judy Hunter read her talk. She told the story of a woman in Germany during World War II whose husband was killed in the war and she was left behind with several small children. She had to leave her home on foot in the cold. All of her children died along the way and she dug graves with a teaspoon and then her bare hands. Later in life she bore a powerful testimony of the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Her faith is what supported her in her trials. This story gave me the idea to download the book "A Labor of Love" the 1946 European Mission of Ezra Taft Benson. President Benson was asked to go to Europe after the war and take food and supplies to the suffering people. It is an amazing book and I want to read it again. Here are some notes I took:

Study the talk, "Steady in the Storms" by President Henry B. Eyring.  Helaman 5:12. Obedience to God will bring power to overcome temptations and trials. Do not murmur in affliction.

A new member of our ward who plays the organ, Carol Rosen, played a piano solo of "I Stand All Amazed." It was wonderful and brought the Spirit into the meeting. 

Fred Klug was the last speaker. He spoke on Elder Rasband's talk "Holiness to the Lord." Am I recommended to the Lord? We should be regularly interviewed by our Church leaders. Remember the sanctity of the Sabbath day. It is Holy ground. When we are recommended to the Lord it means we are striving to be like Him. If we have a current temple recommend it means we are worthy to stay on the covenant path.

Tamara did a council at the beginning of Relief Society. The first question that she asked was: If the shelves were bare tomorrow would you be okay? How long? On February 21st our stake president, President Beeler, sent out an email to the members of the stake. In this email he told us to carefully evaluate, be pro-active, and to live within our means. Check on those you minister to. Buy ahead, make menu plans. Grow a garden, stock your pantry. Tamara also mentioned a class on self-reliance and emotional resilience.

We had a great discussion in our council and also in our lesson on President Nelson's talk, "Increasing Spiritual Momentum."

After the meeting Tamara and I went to the bishops office where Tina Allen was set apart as our new compassionate service leader taking Kathy Crane's place. Kathy had served for a long time. Tina's husband Steve set her apart and then he set apart Cody Snyder as an advisor for the teacher's quorum working with Aaron Umphress. After the setting aparts were over Tamara asked the Bishop Hunsaker what he had planned for Mother's Day. He said it would be similar to last year with food and a program and we were not to prepare anything. How nice!

James was finished meeting with Collin so we went home. We had the last of the ham and scalloped potatoes for lunch. I told him we were feeding the missionaries on Thursday and asked him what he would like to have for dinner that night. He said, "Ham and scalloped potatoes." I think it's his favorite meal. Easy enough. We took naps and I did some blogging then I went in the kitchen to make refreshments for our "CFM" meeting tonight. I was going to make a lime pie but the two piecrusts I had were expired. James tried the walnut one and it was rancid. I made brownies instead and we cut up strawberries, put some stevia on them and got out the Coolwhip. 

Everyone came this evening except the Crane's who have the granddaughter and great grandson visiting. Pierce told about two of his grandchildren that were baptized at the Vernon Mission today. That must have been so difficult for him.

I finished Thomas Grapp's book today. It really is good.

Sat, Apr 23rd, 2022: Reno Nevada Temple, Temple shift - Sister Wilkins, Gail Hancock, Jeanie Gentry, Taco Bell, Cupcakes, ward party, food and skits

 

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Savior

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 20:1-7, 18-26 It is important to put the Lord first in my life.

AprGenCon

"The Power of Spiritual Momentum"

President Russell M. Nelson

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

I would like to suggest five specific actions we can take to help us maintain positive spiritual momentum.

Liahona

"Learn the Healer's Art"

Up at 3:48. It's temple day. I said my prayers first and then got ready to go. We left the house at 5:20 for the temple in Snowflake. We arrived early enough to not be rushed. The Seaman's are presiding which always makes me happy. Sister Kim Seaman did some training on initiatory during our preparation meeting. Sister Hamblin, our co-ordinator, asked me to make sure Sister Wilkins, who is here for only the second time, is comfortable working in initiatory. Sister Seaman, Kim, said we could go in the matron's room if we were going to be talking and training. Sister Wilkins and I talked and I explained to her everything I know about initiatory, including how to rotate. Sister Wilkins has been to the temple doing initiatory and to study the cards that are available. I think she is going to be an amazing temple worker because of her desire and dedication!

During my break, in the break room, I visited with Gail Hancock, who is George Brinkerhoff's sister. George graduated from high school the same year James and I did. I remember him very well. He was extremely smart and nice looking. James remembers he was the only guy who would climb the town water tower with him. Gail said he died of colon cancer when he was 31 leaving behind 5 children and a wife. I also talked with Jeanie Gentry about her eye problem. She has Fuch's Dystrophy which means she has dead cells behind her eyes and she needs to have surgery as this makes her vision very blurry. She is going to be too busy to have surgery in May but will probably have it in June, in the valley. She has to stay down in bed and can't go to a high altitude right away so she will have to find a place to stay in the valley. I told her that she is on my prayer list.

James was the officiator for the 9:30 endowment session which means he had to find a witness couple. He recognized brother David Bowman who is the artist of the picture we have in our dining room of the Savior and a child that Jared gave us one year for Christmas. He asked Brother Bowman and his wife to be the witness couple and they were happy to do it. 

On the way home we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. When we got home I made some cupcakes because I wasn't sure if we would have enough desserts for our ward party tonight. I also did some walking because I had less that 2,000 steps when I got home. James and I walked together and listened to Lily of the Valley. A little before six we packed up our double Texas sheetcake and our 20 something cupcakes and left for the church. Our ward party consisted of a dinner and skits afterwards. We sat by the Brown's, the Diewald's, and Chuck. For dinner we had baked potatoes with smoked pulled pork, chili, cheese, sour cream, onions, and lettuce. The desserts were many and varied. I did not have any. James said my Texas sheetcake was the best dessert out there. The best skit was done by the young men and young women leaders which included: Sean Hunsaker, Alicia Hunsaker, Becky Skousen, Willy Grombach, Bishop Hunsaker, Michelle Tesarek, Cody Snyder, and LeeAnn Snyder. They all sat in a row and acted as if they were at a movie. Sean wanted to be with LeeAnn and kept sending kisses, drinks, hugs, down the row. The two funniest people were Willy and Michelle. It was a great way to start the skits! They sort of went down hill from there. It was a fun night and we had lots of non-members attend. We have a new family in the ward with five boys. Their last name is Crane.

Fri, Apr 22nd, 2022: Memphis Tennessee Temple,

 

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Savior

Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 13:5-35

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 20 God is merciful.

AprGenCon

"Teaching Self-Reliance to Children and Youth"

Elder Hugo E. Martinez

Of the Seventy

Let us follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His gospel by becoming self-reliant throughout our lives and teaching this to our children and youth.

Liahona

"Seeing Commandments As Blessings"

Up at 5. James confided in me last night some of his feelings. I woke up this morning concerned about his state of mind. As I was walking at 5:40 this morning I was also listening to Kerry Muhlstein's "God Will Prevail." He answered James's concerns beautifully. When James got up I had to play the paragraph for James so he could hear it. I think it helped him.

I finished Brother Muhlsteins book and began a book by Elder Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation."  Saints volume 3 came out today and is available on our gospel library app.

It was very windy today. When James went out to work he wore his heavy coat. While he was outside I finished my steps, blogged and indexed. After 4 o'clock this afternoon I started a Texas sheetcake, doubling the recipe in the biggest pan I could find. I hope it turns out well. It took forever to bake. 

James is concerned it is going to get below freezing this evening. I am loving Elder Bednar's book! It wasn't a long one and I actually finished it today. I began "Far Above Rubies" by Tammy Uzelac Hall as I put sheets on the bed in Sheri and Ian's room and in my office. Before I could do any more James came upstairs and asked me to please come down and cut his hair. We are working in the temple tomorrow and he wants to look his best. 

I gave James a good haircut and afterwards he took a shower. I had taken one earlier and washed my hair. James went to bed around 9 and I went to bed shortly after. 

 

Thur, Apr 21st, 2022: Medford Oregon Temple, Cat fixed, Car oil changed and tires rotated, grocery shopping, Alex, Steps,

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Savior

Acts 13:23

Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:18-13:4

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 19:14-25 & Exodus 19:10-11; 17

Sacred experiences require preparation.

AprGenCon

"For God So Loved Us"

Elder Michael T. Ringwood

Of the Seventy

God so loved us that He sent His Only Begotten Son - not to condemn us, but to save us.

"To Heal the World"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Wounds and differences can be resolved and even healed when we honor God, the Father of us all, and Jesus Christ, His Son.

Liahona

"Multiple Sclerosis and My Testimony of Jesus Christ"

I got up early so I could walk, pray, plan, eat, and study before leaving for town. I had prayer with James before he left in his truck. He is going to get the tire to the Cat fixed. I am going to Walmart to get the tires rotated and the oil changed in my car and to do some shopping. I thought the auto center opened at 8 but the opened at 7. They were not busy though, there was only one person ahead of me. A sweet little man who lives in Concho waited on me. He said he was grateful for the nice weather. I said I would agree except for the wind. He said he liked the wind because he has a wind generator. He said it was like having an aquarium, in that it is fun to watch. 

I did my shopping and just as I was finishing up I got a notice that my car was ready. Perfect timing. Everything cost under $50. I guess that didn't charge me for the rotation of the tires because we bought the tires at Walmart. 

On the way home I stopped at the post office. All of my Amazon orders are here, grape seed oil, white vanilla, and pen refills. James was ahead of me and as I drove down the last stretch of our road I saw him putting the tire on the Cat. 

I got my 20,000 steps by 4 p.m. I worked on my blog. The photo app on my computer gives me fits and slows me down. I made a lemon cream cheese pie this evening. The Grombach's came over for their temple prep lesson. Jana is on a diet so she didn't eat any pie. James asked Willy if he could do some welding for him and he said of course and there will be no charge. He is a nice guy!

Jana said her mom fell and won't be able to make her Texas sheetcake for Saturday night. Her mom is Pat Tedder.

Jana also said that China invaded the Solomon Islands today. I don't watch the news so I never know what is going on in the world.

In bed by 9:30.

 

Wed, Apr 20th, 2022: Fresno California Temple, Tire fiasco, phone calls for desserts, Moses and the Ten Commandments, Memory of Ruby and Lola

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Acts 7:35

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 19:3-6 The Lord's covenant people are a treasure to Him.

Exodus 19:1-17

AprGenCon

"Love, Share, Invite"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As we love, share, and invite, we take part in that great and glorious work that prepares the earth for the return of its Messiah.

Liahona

"Prepare for the Sacrament All Week Long"

Up at 5:06. We studied the ten commandments in our "Come Follow Me" lesson. They are in Exodus 20. Then in our Book of Mormon study we happened to be in Mosiah 13 where Abinadi recites and teaches the ten commandments to King Noah and his people. I just thought it was serendipitous that we had the ten commandments two times in one day.

 James took his tire into town to be fixed. He had to come back because he forgot something. He then went back into town and took the tire to Robert's Tire. Last time they fixed his tire for free. He leaves and tells them he wants the tire fixed and mounted. When he gets back the tire was not fixed or mounted. They told him the tire was too old and that he needed to buy a new one. He was so upset that he just left and came home. Now he has to go back tomorrow to get the tire fixed. 

James told me that the Peeler's got scammed recently. They are the sweetest couple and it makes me so sad that people take advantage of old people. 

BTW, ham sandwiches with avocado are wonderful. I had one today. 

Tamara sent out this email today:

Help! I've got too much on my plate today and rest of the week. I have the sign up sheet for desserts for Skit Night. We thought we should have 12 sisters sign up but I only have 9. Do you think that will be enough? Pat is bringing a Texas sheet cake that will feed more than the 12. I also need someone to call and remind the sisters who did sign up. Anyone available to help with this? 

I knew Kerri was probably teaching school and Maxine has phone issues so I volunteered. I called all nine sisters on the list and at least one had forgotten so I am glad I called. I also told Tamara that I would make a dessert. Wendy DeWitt is very excited because they are bringing some of their neighbors, a non-member family.

I finished listening to Elder Hafen's book, "A Broken Heart" and started the book, "God will Prevail" by Brother Kerri Muhlstein. 

I also finished listening to Elder Halverson's "Unshaken" and started Book of Mormon Central. James and I read The Gents Book Two: Lily of the Valley. You can do lots of reading or listening when you walk as much as I do. I also watched a Hallmark movie, "The Royal Roadtrip." 

Both vacuums are down. I ordered a belt for the Oreck and hope it will come soon. Sandra Wilhelm says she can hardly get Lanel to take off her Little Mermaid costume. 

Joshua's "We Will Rock You" performance.